Within Range

Will he be a Ruler of the World on the first Saturday in June? US Army Ranger (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) steps forward in Thursday's G3 MBNA Chester Vase in a bid to emulate that fellow son of the great Coolmore sire, who captured this traditional Derby prep prior to Epsom glory three years ago. Aside from him, the likes of Soldier of Fortune (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Golden Sword (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Treasure Beach (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) have all won this en route a respectable display in the blue riband for Aidan O'Brien, who is after a seventh renewal from the last 10 here. US Army Ranger beat the subsequently disappointing Aasheq (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) on debut over 10 furlongs at The Curragh Apr. 3, and while his form lacks the substance of his G2 Beresford S.-winning stablemate Port Douglas (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), it is impossible to ignore the positive vibes emanating from the Ballydoyle trainer. “He is only a baby and has always been a very laid-back horse at home,” he said. “He's sailing through his work and finishes his work very well. He's going to be very green at Chester and it will probably be a big shock to him, but we think its worth going there if he is to go to Epsom. He's going to learn a lot at Chester, as he won a slow-motion race in very heavy ground. We know he has a massive engine and we just hope he can get it together in time. At least we will see how he handles a turning track.”

Chester was one of the recently retired Barry Hills's favourite circuits, and his son Charlie Hills is yet to get off the mark in this race. His representative, High Grounds (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), who is also in the Listed Betdaq Dee S. here 24 hours later, needs to find major progression on his latest third in the Apr. 22 G3 Sandown Classic Trial. “If the ground is on the softer side, we will wait for the ground to dry out for Dee S. on Friday,” Hills said. “If he does run in the Vase, I think the horse will stay. I think the Classic Trial at Sandown was a very good race, to be honest. I was pleased enough, as it was only the second start of his career and he was placed in a Group 3. He has gone up in the weights for that, so he is on the up. I just felt the ground went against him at Sandown and he didn't quite handle it. I think he will be fine around Chester.” Hills signaled respect for the opposition, adding, “Obviously, US Army Ranger is the Derby favourite and it is not the end of the world if we finish second to him.”