Murtagh upbeat on Chester Vase prospects Johnny Murtagh expects Masterofthehorse to show improved form as he goes on trial for the Derby against seven rivals in the Virgin Money Chester Vase today. The Sadler's Wells colt was a close third to subsequent 2000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh, but finished down the field behind Crowded House in the Racing Post Trophy on his final start. 'He was a little bit disappointing towards the end of last year, but he has been working well and was always the sort who would improve as a three-year-old,' said Murtagh. Aidan O'Brien, seeking his second success in this Group Three after Soldier Of Fortune in 2007, also saddles Golden Sword, who was fourth at Longchamp on his return last month. Connections of Saptapadi are also looking for improvement from the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt, who improved on his only juvenile start to finish a close fourth behind the reopposing Above Average in the Bet365 Classic Trial over 1m2f at Sandown. 'He will have to improve, but it was a promising run. We will have to see if Chester suits him. It didn't suit his full brother, Patkai, but we'll be hoping for the best,' said Peter Reynolds, racing manager of owners Ballyamacoll Stud. 'He was second on his first run on the all-weather last season and he should have no trouble with the trip.' Above Average was the complete outsider of six at 25/1 when he won at Sandown. The Barry Hills-trained colt, owned by Jack Hanson, is reported to be in fine form. 'We've been very pleased with the way he's come out of the race. Obviously we were delighted with the way he won there, and just hope there's some improvement in him. The track should suit him, he's an improving horse and he's a battler,' said Hills' son and assistant, Charlie. Connections of the Henry Cecil-trained Sight Unseen were caught unawares by his winning debut in a Newbury maiden last month. 'It was a very nice surprise that day. He had never really shown much at home, but sometimes that is the best way,' said owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe. 'We are still a little bit in the dark with him. He did quicken very well, but it was very soft ground at Newbury. Obviously this is a massive step up but that is what trials are for. This will tell us how good he is, and I'm as interested as everyone else.' The eight runner line-up for this mile and a half Group 3 event is completed by recent Epsom winner Debussy, Mick Channon's unbeaten Too Much Trouble and outsider Solo Choice.
