Irish trained Cliffs Of Moher was cut to second favourite for the Epsom Derby after recording a straightforward victory over Godolphin’s Bay Of Poets in the Dee Stakes on the final day of Chester’s Spring meeting.

Run over 2,000 metres on the compact Chester track, which was reported by several jockeys to be a trifle soft as a result of morning showers, the Listed contest is a recognised trials for the English Classic on June 3.

The last horse to win both races was Kris Kin, owned by Dubai businessman Saeed Suhail, in 2003.

Having his first start in 195 days, Cliffs of Moher is now as short as 5-1 (from 7s) with bookmakers Sky Bet.

“With question marks about the participation of Churchill (11/2 favourite) and nothing really stamping their authority on the Derby picture we have decided to keep on the right side of Cliffs of Moher,” said Horse Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners.

“He looks a definite runner for the Aidan O’Brien team and judged on that performance there should be no doubts about his ability to stay the Derby trip.”

William Buick pushed Bay Of Poets to make headway inside final furlong but could not match the winner for pace as the line approached.

Ryan Moore, who was aboard Cliffs Of Moher told Racing UK: “He just raced a bit sleepy the whole way really. He came out a little bit slow, the tempo wasn’t strong and he was able to sit second, but he was always just having a look around.

“It was his first run of the year and he just felt a bit rusty, but I’d be very happy with him. It’s loose ground and it’s not ideal for him, to be fair.”

Mirage Dancer caught the eye when finishing a noteworth fourth under Oisin Murphy after running green for much of the early part of the trip.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Mirage Dancer’s owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, said: “He galloped out really well at the finish and from the horse’s point of view it was a good effort. He was a bit luckless, but that is what can happen here.

“On that, the Derby still looks a big ask but he’ll have learned a lot today. He’ll have to show some good things at home to go to the Derby.”

Meanwhile, Western Hymn and Frankie Dettori caught last year’s Epsom Derby (G1) second US Army Ranger right on the line to win the Ormonde Stakes.

It was the winner’s first start in 191 days which can only mean that the winner will have more to offer in his next appearance.

The Ormonde Stakes can serve as a trial for the Coronation Cup (G1) with the last horse to win both races in the same year being St Nicholas Abbey in 2011.