Chesspiece continues upward curve with G2 Queen’s Vase third

Promising young stayer Chesspiece took another step forward with a good third on his Pattern-race debut in the G2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, 21 June.

The Nathaniel colt, stepping up in class and trip for Simon and Ed Crisford after defying top weight in a York handicap, made the initial running under James Doyle before settling behind the leading duo after the first quarter-mile.

Gregory dictated throughout and kicked for home at the top of the straight, with Chesspiece moving up to dispute second passing the two-furlong pole.

The Godolphin three-year rallied after being passed by Saint George soon after and saw out the 14 furlongs well, going down by just over five lengths in total.