led after 2f, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong
held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra
held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 2 f out, weakened over 1f out
very slowly away, well behind, never a factor
held up, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
led for 2f, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
behind ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, switched left into final furlong, stayed on
held up, effort 3f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, ridden headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Chester Cup runner up Swift Sailor is expected to take all the beating here. Far Pavilions, Nordwind and Contact Dancer can provide the stiffest challenges. The last named is a stablemate of the selection and is as tough as they come. He proved that when winning a rough and tumble renewal of the Cesarewitch last year. Contact Dancer got within two lengths of the selection on the Roodeye on his reappearance and looks sure to make this another good test. However, he might be vulnerable back at this trip and a careful eye on the betting is advised before getting heavily involved with him. Conversely, Nordwind looks ready for the step to this distance and, as he already holds the likes of Le Tiss on recent form, he has to be respected. Far Pavilions has relished the return to the Flat and has won his last two starts in good style. He is also a three-time winner over hurdles at this course and the sea air obviously brings the best out of him. However, they all look vulnerable to the unexposed Swift Sailor, who appears to be going from strength to strength. Mark Johnston has farmed races like this over the years and it will be surprising if he does not pick up again with Swift Sailor here.
Swift Sailor 13-2 (8-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed 1f out, not much room and switched right, stayed on, 2nd of 17, 1l behind Anak Pekan (9-6) at Chester 2m 3f hcp (2) gs.
Far Pavilions 5-1 (9-9) Hampered after 3f, pushed along and switched right over 3f out, headway to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong, easily, won at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp (4) gf beating Kristensen (9-0) by 6l, 14 ran.
Nordwind (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Soon led, pushed along 3f out, headed inside final 2f, weakened final furlong, 4th of 10, 5l behind Flamboyant Lad (8-12) at Newbury 1m 4f hcp (2) frm.
Larkwing (IRE) 15-2 (8-1) Slowly into stride, mid-division, not clear run over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, nearest at finish, 4th of 17, 3l behind Anak Pekan (9-6) at Chester 2m 3f hcp (2) gs.
Court of Appeal 14-1 (9-5) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 6l behind Into The Shadows (8-7) at Chester 1m 4f hcp (4) gs.
Loves Travelling (IRE) 50-1 (8-13) Soon behind, lost touch and eased final 2f out, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Cruise Director (8-5) at York 1m 4f hcp (3) sft.
Peak of Perfection (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong, 6th of 14, 15l behind Cruise Director (8-5) at York 1m 4f hcp (3) sft.
Trance (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Held up, smooth headway over 3f out, led 2f out, soon edged left, pushed clear, won at Newmarket 1m 6f hcp (4) gs beating Michabo (9-2) by 4l, 6 ran.
Le Tiss (IRE) 10-3 (9-7) Held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 6, 13l behind Trance (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 6f hcp (4) gs.
Ski Jump (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Held up, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 20, 1/2l behind Dundry (8-12) at York 1m 6f hcp (4) sft.
Most Definitely (IRE) 5-2fav (9-5) Held up towards rear, steady progress over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Malarkey (9-3) at Thirsk 2m hcp (4) gd.
Contact Dancer (IRE) 16-1 (8-5) Prominent, pushed along 6f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, stayed on, 3rd of 17, 2 1/2l behind Anak Pekan (9-6) at Chester 2m 3f hcp (2) gs.
