Chester’s quirky circuit opens the Boodles May Festival on Sky Sports Racing, offering a mix of Classic trials and valuable handicaps. At 2.35pm the Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks pits Aidan O’Brien’s filly Amelia Earhart against John and Thady Gosden’s unbeaten I’m The One. Blake favors the Camelot‑bred, noting her middle‑distance pedigree and Ryan Moore’s mount could upset the favorite. The race also offers a rare test of stamina on the demanding left‑hand turn.

The 3.05pm Chester Vase often reshapes Derby ante‑post markets. Blake highlights O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini, a Frankel son who impressed in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes and survived a tough Futurity Trophy run. His long, fluent stride and proven mile‑and‑a‑half potential make the tighter Chester trip a valuable test for 2026 Derby hopes. Success here often signals a strong showing in the Epsom classic, raising his profile among bettors.

A final showdown arrives at 4.45pm with the Roodee Handicap, where draw bias can tip the scales. Blake backs Mick Appleby’s seven‑year‑old Bell Shot, noting the horse’s recent all‑weather form but stronger turf record of 24% from 29 starts. A good stall position and a suitable track could see him lead from the front. Should he pull clear, the win would underline Appleby’s training acumen and boost the horse’s turf reputation.