Star Of India threw his hat into the ring for The Derby at Epsom next month after he ran out an impressive winner of the Dee Stakes on the second day of Chester's May meeting on Thursday.
The three-year-old, who had previously finished fifth in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket last month, picked up under Ryan Moore in the home straight and galloped to a two-and-a-quarter-length success from the Martyn Meade-trained Cresta - with Star Of India now 16/1 to win The Derby.
O'Brien continues Chetser success
His success gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a seventh win in the Listed contest in the last decade - with his roll of honour including Group 1 winners Magician and Circus Maximus - as well as a second Derby trial victory in two days, him having also won the Chester Vase with Changingoftheguard on Wednesday.
Related Horse Racing News
Horse Racing - Racing: Kentucky Derby all you need to know
Horse Racing - Racing: What A Shout
Horse Racing - Racing: Weekend Preview
Horse Racing - Racing: Weekend Review
The son of the late Galileo could now head to Epsom and lead a formidable charge in the Classic for O'Brien, which could also include 2,000 Guineas third Luxembourg (7/4) and classy juvenile Point Lonsdale.
His other rivals may also include Walk Of Stars (8/1) and Piz Badile - a narrow winner of the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown in April - while Desert Crown and 2,000 Guineas fourth Eydon could also take their places in the 1m4f Group 1.
Moore expects better to come
Winning jockey Moore said: "He did it nicely because they didn't go mad and he was still a bit green when he got to the front. He will improve, he's a very laid-back horse and I'd say we're only just getting to know what he can do.
He added: "He'll get better, there's no doubt about that. He was getting to the line very easily there. He's a nice type."
Discover more from the world's favourite online betting brand
Latest sports betting and odds
Watch horse racing live streaming
Head to the bet365 YouTube channel for exclusive racing content
