Ted Spread (right) holds off Icon Dream to win the Derby trial race

Ted Spread, ridden by Darryll Holland, held off Icon Dream to win the Chester Vase by a head in a thrilling finish.

The 8-1 chance led for most of the Derby trial race with Jamie Spencer riding Icon Dream to second and John Fortune on Chink of Light in third.

"He stays a mile and a half well so we used that to his liking," said Holland.

Critical Moment, third in the Craven Stakes, and Aidan O'Brien's 9-4 favourite Rocket Man both finished well off the pace.

Holland added: "They just levelled off and I thought I had to be positive and make it into a real race. He tries real hard and that's the main thing here.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Chester meeting

"You can be unlucky round here and he's handled the track quite well really for his size. It had been a stop-start gallop. Because he stays well I committed a fair way out on him."

Ted Spread has been quoted at 33-1 for the Derby on Saturday 5 June.

Meanwhile, 11-1 shot Debussy produced a late thrust to take the Betfair Huxley Stakes, spoiling Les Fazzani's bid to make all the running in the process.

Jockey William Buick had to switch Debussy from the rail and his mount responded in style to take the lead inside the final furlong and score by two lengths.

South Easter stayed on to snatch third place, three lengths away.

Chester Vase 1m 4f 66yds

1 Ted Spread 8-1
2 Icon Dream 15-2
3 Chink of Light 16-1

Betfair Huxley Stakes 1m 2f 75yds

1 Debussy 11-1
2 Les Fazzani 10-1
3 South Easter 3-1 fav

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