SELDOM can a win in a recognised Derby Trial have been met with such an underwhelming response as US Army Ranger’s in the Chester Vase, with the odds-on favourite getting home in front by just a short-head from his less forcefully ridden stablemate Port Douglas, who was conceding him 4lb.

On the one hand, the colt remains unbeaten and took a significant step forward from his maiden win at the Curragh.