Lancer springs Vase upset

Red Lancer had been backed into 9-1 from 12s

Red Lancer caused a major surprise by romping to victory in Thursday's MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase.

The 9/1 shot, ridden by Robert Miles, was able to ease up on the line as he came home five lengths ahead of Frankie Dettori on Privy Seal.

Temple Place, joint favourite alongside Privy Seal, finished third.

Red Lancer, trained by Richard Price, notched up a double on the all-weather in the winter but the Group Three contest was a major step-up in class.

Price said: "We thought he might be good enough today.

"Everything was right for him - the tight track and the ground.

"I don't know where he will go from here. I'm more familiar with the jumps programme book than the Flat one."

The Chester Vase is a traditional trial for the Derby but as he is a gelding, Red Lancer will not be eligible to run at Epsom.

John Gosden was not too disappointed with Privy Seal's effort.

He said: "He was struggling a bit on the ground, it was a bit rough out there and he said on good ground we would have given the winner a race."