chased leaders, 2nd 4 out, led 2 out, joined last, headed and not pace of winner run-in
in touch on inside, plugged on in modest 4th
led and soon clear, reduced lead before 4 out, headed 2 out, lost 2nd between last 2, 3rd and one pace run-in
chasing leaders when fell 1st
held up, headway before 2 out, plugged on, no threat
chased leaders, weakened 2 out
badly hampered 1st, always in rear, never able to recover
in touch, pushed along in 3rd 3 out, 2nd between last 2, challenged last, led run-in, soon quickened clear
chased leaders, weakening when mistake 2 out
chased leaders until weakened rapidly before 4 out, soon behind, pulled up before 2 out
Paul Nicholls has won five of the last 10 renewals and Dolos is a worthy top weight this year having won two of his three previous starts over course and distance. However, he was behind both PERCY STREET and Dino Velvet in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March and is worse off at the weights. Nicky Henderson's charge had a pipe-opener on the Flat last month so gets a tentative vote, though there are plenty of dangers. Champagne City has looked very progressive this summer but this is easily his toughest task to date. That comment also applies to the hitherto unbeaten filly Talent To Amuse. The pace-setting Flashing Glance was easily picked of at Newton Abbot last month and looks harshly treated but Fidux and Silver Streak could grab a place if one or two have an off-day.
Dolos (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Tracked leaders, headway to lead approaching 2 out, soon ridden, joined last, headed flat, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 3 3/4l behind Call Me Lord (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Fidux (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Towards rear, stumbled on landing 4th, headway under pressure before 2 out, ridden and stayed on to take 3rd flat, no impression, 3rd of 12, 9 3/4l behind Call Me Lord (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Flashing Glance 6-4 (11-4) Took keen hold, went left and not fluent, led, mistake 4th, headed 2 out, beaten flat, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Amour de Nuit (11-10) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f (4) gs in Sep.
Talent To Amuse (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Held up mid-division, outpaced after 3 out, led last, kept on well towards finish, driven out, won at Newton Abbot 2m 1f (3) gd in May beating Amour de Nuit (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Dino Velvet (FR) 11-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, blundered badly 4 out, headway on inside last, never able to get on terms, 8th of 22, 9 1/4l behind Flying Tiger (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Percy Street 11-1 (9-10) Prominent on outer, headway to join leader over 7f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 16 1/2l behind Marmajuke Bay (8-13) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Sep.
Champagne City 2-5fav (11-8) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, left in lead before 6th, ridden and pressed before last, kept on well towards finish, won at Stratford 2m (4) gs in Jul beating Kalanisi Glen (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Silver Streak (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Always prominent, 2nd 3 out, led before 2 out until 2 out, chased leader until between last 2, ridden and lost 3rd approaching last, weakened run-in, 4th of 8, 8 3/4l behind So Celebre (11-4) at Ascot 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Ibleo (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Raced keenly, in touch in mid-division until lost place approaching 4 out, behind next, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Master Blueyes (11-2) at Kempton 2m (1) gd in Feb.
Dinsdale 50-1 (9-11) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 12, 19 1/2l behind Isaac Bell (9-11) at Kempton 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol in Oct.
