ran in snatches, tracked leaders, chased winner 2f out, driven to challenge inside final furlong, outbattled towards finish
chased leaders, headway to track leader 11f out until ridden and outpaced 2f out, went modest 3rd well inside final furlong
rearing in stalls, chased winner to 11f out, stayed close up, ridden 4f out, pushed along on outside to challenge for second 2f out, no impression and lost 3rd towards finish
soon led, ridden over 2f out, driven and strongly pressed inside final furlong, battled on gamely
always last, ridden 5f out, well behind final 3f, tailed off
DICE appears to have been found a decent opening despite Khayar and Theologist having run respectably last time. Luca Cumani's runner has been unfortunate to bump into a couple of progressive performers in Ermyn Lodge and Worth A King's on two of his last three starts whilst his other outing came over twelve furlongs at Epsom where he was ill at ease. It will be disappointing if he can't make the most of this opportunity. A visor had the desired effect as Theologist ran right up to his best at Salisbury behind a progressive performer and he should make sure that the selection is tested if he faces up to the headgear again. Khayar ran a fair race at Newcastle in the week and should give his running but it looks as though he'll need to improve to get the better of Dice if that one runs to form. Taste The Wine finished just under four lengths behind the selection at Sandown and has a 6lb swing in the weights in his favour but he's a doubtful stayer at this trip and doesn't look to have Dice's number.
Dice (IRE) 5-2fav (9-9) Held up, pushed along over 3f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Worth A King's (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sep.
Theologist (IRE) 3-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, effort travelling well over 2f out, led briefly 2f out, chased winner after, no impression, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Mykingdomforahorse (9-7) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
Taste The Wine (IRE) 14-1 (8-5) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced 3f out, soon lost place, weakened 2f out, last of 9, 32l behind Worth A King's (9-6) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f app hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Khayar (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 3f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Twist Again (9-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Sep.
Am I Blue 22-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, headway under pressure over 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd entering final 1f, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Dazzling Begum (8-13) at Folkestone 1m 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sep.
