settled tracking leaders, ridden over 1f out, edged slightly left inside final furlong, stayed on
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
close up, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
made all, ridden and quickened 2f out, driven out
held up, headway to go 2nd after 5f, ridden and lost place over 3f out, soon well behind and eased. (This race hand-timed)
The jury will be sat in judgement as the much-travelled Daliapour has his first outing on these shores since rejoining Sir Michael Stoute towards the end of last season. The 2000 Coronation Cup winner would pick these up and carry them on his best form, but his last few outings have shown a lack of resolution in the latter stages and he has to prove that his best days are not behind him. However, there can be no such doubts about St Expedit and Water Jump who should both have benefited from their recent meeting at Newbury. The former won the personal battle between the two on that occasion and should now be spot on as he bids to win this race for the second year running. Ovambo was also progressive last year but may have to wait for another day for his fourth visit to a winners¿ enclosure.
