The record of Galileo (Ire) at Chester's May meeting is enviable and it looks likely to be the same story on Friday with the featured G3 Boodles Diamond Ormonde S. seemingly a match-up between his well-regarded sons Midterm (GB) and US Army Ranger (Ire). The latter, who was runner-up in the G1 Epsom Derby last June, was brought back for Naas's G3 Dr Vincent O'Brien Centenary Alleged S. over 10 furlongs and was a fair third on Apr. 9 but will be better tuned by Aidan O'Brien this time. He was eighth when Midterm was seventh in the G1 Qipco Champion S. at Ascot in October, and that Juddmonte homebred has also enjoyed a prep when fifth in the G3 John Porter S. over a mile and a half at Newbury on Apr. 22. He is fitted with a visor for the first time and racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe is hoping he can begin to fulfil his potential. “He had a couple of niggly things after his run at Newbury. It was a little bit unsatisfactory,” he said. “However, his work since has been very encouraging and we think he's come on a lot for the run.”
Last year's runner-up Western Hymn (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) may need this return, while Godolphin's Winning Story (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) steps up in class following his success in the two-mile All-Weather Marathon Championship at Lingfield on Apr. 14. “Winning Story won very well on his latest start and is in good form,” trainer Saeed bin Suroor commented. “His last piece of work went well and I am looking for a good run, although this is a tougher race for him.”
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