Winged D'Argent is fancied to follow up his recent win here at the main expense of Sphinx. Bernard Llewellyn's son of In The Wings appreciated the drop to less illustrious company than he had been keeping (Northumberland Plate, Chester Cup, Ascot Stakes etc) when winning easily at Nottingham last time out. That was on soft ground, as nearly all of his victories have been, and with heavy ground here he is fancied to win again. Great Quest ran well in defeat last time out but his strike-rate is unimpressive, so of more interest may be Sphinx who is consistent but possibly too high in the weights. Monolith is a decent dual-performer and is now 4lb below his highest winning mark. Artistic Style steps up in trip but that is not certain to suit and so we will happily return to Winged D'Argent for the winner.
Sphinx (FR) 13-2 (10-0) Behind, headway 3f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong and lost 2nd last strides, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Toparudi (8-12) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
Monolith 33-1 (8-8) Always towards rear, 12th of 20, 46l behind Juniper Girl (8-11) at Newcastle 2m hcap (2) sft in Jun.
Winged d'Argent (IRE) 7-2fav (11-5) Chased leaders, led over 3f out, driven clear final furlong, won at Nottingham 1m 6f hcap (4) sft beating Raffish (10-5) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Artistic Style 20-1 (10-0) Chased leaders in 3rd to over 3f out, soon weakened under pressure, 9th of 10, 17l behind Emerald Wilderness (9-0) at Windsor 1m 2f hcap (4) gs.
Great Quest (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) In touch, headway over 5f out, went 2nd over 4f out, no impression on winner final 2f, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Nero West (8-3) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Jun.
Ashmolian (IRE) 6-1 (8-2) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 8, 4l behind Master Wells (9-7) at Chepstow 1m 4f app hcp (5) sft.
