Little further proof was required that Ballydoyle hold a powerful Derby hand but it arrived anyway at Chester on Thursday when Aidan O’Brien recorded a 1-2-3 in the Group 3 MBNA Chester Vase.

Sometimes there is the worry that Ryan Moore will not be on the winner but favourite backers had no such concern here. Starting at 5/2, Venice Beach led early, allowed stable companion The Anvil to take over for much of the journey, then moved through to lead again before the furlong pole. Firmly driven out, the son of Galileo kept on well to hold stablemate Wings Of Eagles and Seamie Heffernan by just over a length, though the gap was closing as they neared the line. The Anvil was inches behind in third.