led, not fluent 4th, headed approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
in 4th, outpaced from 7th, left poor 3rd last
never going well, not fluent, blundered 5th, soon lost touch, left poor 4th last
chased leader, mistake and weakened 3 out, 3rd and well beaten when blundered and unseated rider last
tracked leaders, effort on bit 3 out, led approaching next, ridden out
A poor turn out for the money and it is hard to ignore the claims of French import Epervier d'Or. The lightly raced four-year-old has shown plenty of ability in his two wins for Paul Nicholls and although he is likely to be a very short price, he is the one to beat. His weight-for-age allowance off-sets his 7lb penalty and he can score at the main expense of Got One Too, who will provide a useful medium for evaluating the worth of the form. Ideal du Bois Beury fared better over fences in his latest outing but shapes as if a step up in trip will suit him better. Alka International has plenty to find with Epervier d'Or, whilst Island Sound is best watched on his chasing debut.
