raced alone on far side, disputed lead, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in 4th, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in last pair, headway over 1f ut, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, not able to trouble winner
led main group in centre, ridden, edged left and headed 1f out, no extra close home
not much room soon after start, held up in last pair, headway and edged left inside 2f out, led 1f out, driven out
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, bumped well over 1f out, one pace final furlong
Prime Defender was still good enough to win a Group 2 sprint last year, but hasn't looked the force of old so far this. Blue Jack is better over the minimum trip and Redcar winner Fitz Flyer has plenty to find on today's terms. Atlantic Sport hasn't won since 2008 and, though boasting the highest official rating, High Standing is still struggling to find his best form this season. In contrast, NORVILLE hasn't stopped improving all year and was winning his sixth race since January when scoring at Windsor last Saturday. Given the question marks hanging over today's rivals, David Evans' charge could well follow up here.
Prime Defender 33-1 (9-3) Towards rear far side group, effort 2f out, never a factor, 20th of 25, 17l behind Deacon Blues (8-13) at Royal Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) sft in Jun.
Blue Jack 33-1 (9-3) In touch stand side, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 21st of 25, 17l behind Deacon Blues (8-13) at Royal Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) sft in Jun.
Atlantic Sport (USA) 40-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders in centre group, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 13th of 25, 13l behind Manassas (9-0) at Royal Ascot 7f hcp 105 (2) sft in Jun.
Fitz Flyer (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) Made all, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, driven out, won at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jun beating Noodles Blue Boy (8-11) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
High Standing (USA) 25-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear far side, effort 2f out, never dangerous, 15th of 25, 12l behind Deacon Blues (8-13) at Royal Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) sft in Jun.
Norville (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, led and edged right over 1f out, ran on well, won at Windsor 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun beating Medicean Man (9-3) by 1l, 16 ran.
