always prominent, led 2f out, hard driven inside final furlong, ran on strongly
in touch, effort well over 1f out, soon no impression
stumbled start, in touch, headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace approaching final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led until 2f out, soon lost place
Despite showing signs of inexperience, NINE BELOW ZERO was quite impressive when making a winning debut at Salisbury and should have few problems confirming that form with fourth Midsummer Knight, despite a penalty. Ralph Beckett’s juvenile can also inflict a fourth defeat on Choice Encounter, though Michael Bell’s charge could not have got any closer here last month. Lethal Lunch is a likely improver and is preferred to the more-exposed The Golden Cue of the others.
Nine Below Zero 7-1 (9-2) Awkward start, chased leaders, driven to lead just inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Salisbury 5f stks (4) gf in May beating Mokaatil (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Choice Encounter 7-2 (9-2) Dwelt, soon recovered to lead, joined and hard ridden inside final furlong, kept on but headed last stride, 2nd of 8, shd behind Last Voyage (9-2) at Windsor 5f stks (3) gd in May.
Lethal Lunch 85-40fav (9-2) Towards rear, edged left and some headway on outer halfway, never on terms with leaders, 7th of 11, 5 1/4l behind Rock of Estonia (9-2) at Windsor 5f stks (5) gd in Apr.
Midsummer Knight 12-1 (9-2) Went right start, in touch, headway 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, never on terms, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Nine Below Zero (9-2) at Salisbury 5f stks (4) gf in May.
The Golden Cue 10-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 3l behind Queen Of Kalahari (8-11) at Leicester 5f stks (4) sft in May.