On day two of the Boodles May Festival, the Group 3 Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes at Chester set the tone. Aidan O'Brien's Jan Brueghel steps off a Group 1 Coronation Cup scalp and faces last year's champion Illinois. Both stablemates carry high expectations after a stellar debut last season ahead of the Epsom St Leger and race.

Jan Brueghel, who bested Calandagan in June's Coronation Cup, slipped to fourth in the King George but returns under Ryan Moore for a potential Epsom pre‑race. Illinois, a neck behind Brueghel in the St Leger, proved class last season chasing home Trawlerman in the Gold Cup. Both riders eye a decisive turnaround for the season.

The duel promises a showcase of Aidan O'Brien's stable depth, with both horses carrying weight penalties: Illinois bears a 5lb penalty after his Turf Handicap win, while Brueghel carries none. Bettors will focus on track form and the 10‑furlong stamina that could separate the two, deciding who starts the race with the edge at heat.

Beyond the Ormonde, the day featured the Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes where Constitution River, trained by Aidan O'Brien, aims for a French Derby prep after a Galway win. Moonfall and McMurray headline the Xenon Workplace Handicap, while Roman Dragon seeks a fourth Chester victory in the CAA Stellar Handicap, keeping fans on edge for the the.