tracked leader, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, soon headed, weakened well inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, held towards finish
led, pushed along and pressed 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, ridden inside final furlong, one pace
held up towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, led over 1f out, held on well
in touch in 4th, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden inside final furlong, kept on to take 3rd towards finish
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Nonrunner
Blue Wave continued his rapid progress when winning at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. But his only defeat in his last five starts came over track and trip at the hands of today's rival GRENDISAR. Marco Botti's colt can confirm running on better terms and gets the nod to follow up. Stepping Ahead is perfectly capable at this level and can reverse earlier form here with Shavansky, while Duchess Of Gazeley went close off today's mark over 2m here on her return and is another to consider. Kieren Fallon's presence on Angel Gabrial takes the eye and suggests the latter may run a big race despite returning from a long absence.
Blue Wave (IRE) 9-2fav (9-4) Went slightly right start, led 1f, tracked leader, led again over 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, edged left, held on well, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Feb beating Nautilus (8-12) by nk, 11 ran.
Grendisar (IRE) 9-4fav (8-13) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Feb beating Swing Alone (9-5) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Stepping Ahead (FR) 7-2 (9-4) Close up, tracked leaders 5f out, ridden over 3f out, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind The Lock Master (8-5) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) fbs in Feb.
Angel Gabrial (IRE) 50-1 (8-9) Awkwardly away, soon mid-division, outpaced 3f out, ridden and kept on under pressure from over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 19, 4l behind Danchai (8-11) at York 1m 2f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Shavansky 5-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, late headway, never involved, 7th of 13, 7l behind Rebellious Guest (9-0) at Kempton 1m 2f hcap (2) pol.
Presburg (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Towards rear, never near leaders, 8th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Scottish Star (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Duchess Of Gazeley (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Close up, ridden and headway to lead entering final furlong, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd final stride, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Litigant (9-2) at Lingfield 2m cnd stks (4yo+) (2) pol.
Knockgraffon Lad (USA) 14-1 (8-13) Slowly away in rear, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Scottish Star (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Uphold 8-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 10l behind Villa Royale (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.