keen hold in 4th, closed up 1 mile out, on terms over 4f out, soon led, headed 2f out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
soon tracked leader, led 2f out, headed 1f out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, improved to challenge from 2f out, in front from 1f out, stayed on well
slowly into stride and waited with in rear, improved on outer to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on without getting to winner inside final furlong
waited with, progress from 3f out, no impression in 4th and kept on same pace from over 1f out
soon led, joined over 4f out, soon headed, pushed along in 2nd approaching straight, lost place from 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off
Dermot Weld has won the last two of these but Prince Erik doesn't quite look up to completing a treble. HARRISON'S CAVE's third behind Camborne over 1m4f at Ascot is the best Flat form on view and he should stay this trip. He was well beaten in last week's Ebor but had finished fifth in the Chester Cup earlier and this is a big drop in class. Drive Time has won six of his nine starts and failed to finish in the other three, two in which he fell over hurdles. He should be in the mix though Great Oak, who had been in fine form over fences before scoring very easily on the Flat at Tramore, will ensure the principals don't have things their own way. The remainder, including the very useful Western Leader, are jumpers but will need to improve on the Flat to trouble the selection.
Harrison's Cave 16-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, never dangerous, 18th of 19, 19l behind Willing Foe (9-2) at York 1m 6f hcp (2) gs in Aug.
Drive Time (USA) 1-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, close 3rd entering straight, 2nd 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, eased close home, easily, won at Killarney 1m 6f am stks (4yo+) in Jul beating Kalellshan (10-8) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Great Oak (IRE) 5-1 (10-6) Soon tracked leaders at ordinary pace, closed from over 6f out, soon nudged along in 2nd, challenged approaching 2f out, led over 1f out and stayed on well to soon draw clear, won at Tramore 2m mdn stks hvy in Aug beating Dare To Doubt (10-9) by 6l, 9 ran.
Saint Gervais (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, ridden into 4th 2f out, no impression 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Aughnacurraveel (10-3) at Wexford 2m am stks (4yo+) sft in Aug.
Star Neuville (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Close up, led 5 out, headed before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Folsom Blue (11-2) at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl sft in Jan.
Western Leader (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Led, headed 3rd, remained prominent, weakened quickly before 3 out and pulled up before next, in a race won by Hans Crescent (9-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 in Feb, 12 ran.
False Economy (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) In rear, no impression from 4f out, 12th of 19, 23l behind Midnight Music (11-1) at Galway 2m am hcp 70-100 gd in Jul.
Prince Erik 9-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, lost ground on bend after 3f, ridden and dropped to last 3f out, 7th 2f out, ran on without threatening to go 3rd final furlong, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Blackstairmountain (11-5) at Bellewstown 1m 4f stks sft in Aug.
