Chester catches the eye - Diamonds pleases Beckett

Chester's May meeting continues today when an important Investec Derby trial is a highlight of the second-day card.

The Gr.3 MBNA Chester Vase has drawn just six runners, but the chance to assess Derby favourite US Army Ranger gives the race added interest.

Epsom's Investec Oaks was a topic for discussion yesterday following the Listed Cheshire Oaks, won by US Army Ranger's stablemate, Somehow. The first three in this race finished close together, and there was plenty to like about the performance of Pearl Bloodstock's Diamonds Pour Moi who was third.

She was beaten half a length and the same by Somehow and runner-up Moorside, and trainer Ralph Beckett was happy with the effort. He told the Racing Post: "She was the least experienced filly in the field and got pushed out of it a bit round the bottom end. I'd say it's a good run. What we do next I don't know, but I wouldn't rule out the Oaks."

Today's runners revolve around two fillies who tackle a maiden (18.00) at Clonmel. The Ger Lyons-trained Fly By, who is owned by Qatar Racing, was bred by The Queen out of her Danehill mare Fleeting Memory. She makes her racing debut in the seven-runner contest, in which Pearl Bloodstock's High Honcho is also a runner.

Trained by Johnny Murtagh, High Honcho will be starting on turf for the first time following three runs on Dundalk's all-weather track. Colin Keane rides her, while Emmet McNamara partners Fly By.