The Listed Dee Stakes is often used as a springboard to the Derby and other major middle-distance targets, and Aidan O’Brien has a notable record in the race, having won it seven times in the past ten years, including with Capulet (2024), San Antonio (2023), and Circus Maximus (2019). This year’s renewal features a typically intriguing Ballydoyle duo and a number of lightly-raced, potentially progressive colts.


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Leading Contenders

Mount Kilimanjaro (FR) – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 118
A well-bred colt by Wootton Bassett, Mount Kilimanjaro sets the standard on form. He won a valuable sales race at Longchamp last autumn before finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. He was odds-on and turned over on his reappearance at Dundalk, but may have needed that run and is expected to come forward. His front-running style should be well suited to Chester’s tight turns, and the stable’s record in this race speaks volumes. A strong contender who could be hard to peg back if allowed a soft lead.

High Stock – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 103p
Won the traditionally informative Wood Ditton at Newmarket on debut, showing a good turn of foot to lead late. Andrew Balding has a 20% strike rate at Chester since 2021, and this colt’s pedigree suggests further improvement at this trip is likely. With Oisin Murphy booked and an unbeaten profile, he’s respected as a serious danger despite lacking experience.

Hott Shott – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 110
A dual winner at two, including on turf and the all-weather, and returned with a respectable fourth at Chelmsford in a steadily-run contest. Well bred and should come on for the run, but this demands another step forward. Still, he’s among the more exposed and reliable runners in the field.


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Main Dangers

Isambard Brunel (USA) – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 102p
Stablemate to Mount Kilimanjaro, he got off the mark in a Navan maiden at the second attempt and is bred in the purple (closely related to Prix de l’Arc winner Found). He returns from 211 days off and, as with many Ballydoyle types, may come on plenty from this run. The market should guide expectations – significant support would be a positive, whereas a drift might signal a more developmental outing.

Calla Lagoon – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 109+
Finished last season with a solid second in a Listed race at Pontefract, behind a well-regarded type. The Ralph Beckett yard is going well, and this colt has scope to improve further over 10f+. However, he has been off for 199 days and may be best watched unless the market speaks favourably.


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Interesting Outsiders

Great David – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 102p
Made a winning return in handicap company at Nottingham last month, pulling clear impressively late on. He looks to be improving and has stamina in his pedigree, but this marks a big step up in class. Not without place claims if the front pair underperform, especially with Tom Marquand booked.

Mirabeau – Timeform Adjusted Rating: 108
Ran a fair race when third in a Listed race at Epsom last time, shaping as though this trip suits. A dual winner last year, he’s clearly up to this level on his day but lacks the scope of some of the less exposed runners. Will need a career-best.


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Notable Trends and Trainer Pointers

Aidan O’Brien has won 7 of the past 10 runnings. He saddles both Mount Kilimanjaro and Isambard Brunel.

The last three winners had all run at Group level or won a valuable conditions race beforehand.

Colts stepping up from a maiden win (e.g. High Stock) have a solid recent record.

Horses making their seasonal reappearance should be monitored in the market, particularly those off for 60+ days (e.g. Calla Lagoon, Isambard Brunel).



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Summary

Mount Kilimanjaro brings the standout form and sets a strong standard on his Group 1 second in France. With O’Brien’s excellent record in the race, he’s a confident choice if bouncing back to his best. High Stock looks a serious improver and could pose the biggest threat, while Isambard Brunel is the wildcard with a top pedigree but fitness to prove. Keep an eye on Calla Lagoon and Great David for any market support.