led, took field towards centre from over 4f out, shaken up 3f out and soon ridden, headed over 2f out, rallied briefly over 1f out, no further impression and held final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along and outpaced briefly over 3f out, closed and challenged from over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
held up in touch, closed from 3f out, challenged over 2f out and soon led, headed over 1f out, kept on but held by winner closing stages
held up in last, raced freely, switched left and headway over 3f out, challenged 2f out, no further impression and weakened from over 1f out
held up in behind leaders, ridden and edged left under 3f out, soon outpaced, no headway until kept on steadily from over 1f out, no threat
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, challenged over 2f out, dropped to 3rd over 1f out, kept on final furlong
NonRunner
Interesting to see the 2017 Cesarewitch winner, Withhold, equipped with a visor for the first time at the age of nine, but he should be all the better for a satisfactory reappearance when only beaten under four lengths and is the class act in the line-up. His best form last season makes him the one to beat but he is asked to concede 21lb to AURIFEROUS and the Balding gelding just shades preference. He's a sound stayer who has progressed well since landing a modest Southwell novice in March and his recent fifth of 18 in the Northumberland Vase Handicap reads well. He's been left on an unchanged mark and can continue his improvement. Reshoun stays extreme trips on the level and commands respect here, along with Ascot Stakes fourth Going Gone and Rainbow Dreamer.
Withhold 12-1 (9-13) Led, steadied pace 12f out, increased pace 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 7, 3 3/4l behind Soapy Stevens (8-7) at Chester 2m hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Reshoun (FR) 20-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden disputing lead over 1f out, outright leader inside final furlong, stayed on well but headed towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Stratum (9-7) at Ascot 2m 6f stks (2) gf in Jun.
Rock Eagle 22-1 (9-11) In touch, wide and headway to press leader 4f out, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 19, 7l behind Coltrane (9-10) at Ascot 2m 4f hcp stks (2) gf in Jun.
Going Gone (IRE) 50-1 (9-5) Towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, soon switched left, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 19, 2 1/2l behind Coltrane (9-10) at Ascot 2m 4f hcp stks (2) gf in Jun.
Diamond Bay 4-1 (9-4) Keen tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on to press winner towards finish, 2nd of 6, shd behind Dancing Harry (9-1) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Auriferous (IRE) 12-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, driven over 2f out, not pace to get on terms, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 18, 3 3/4l behind Zoffee (9-9) at Newcastle 2m hcp (2) pol in Jun.
Gold Maze 80-1 (9-2) Raced wide in touch, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 10th of 18, 12 1/2l behind Candleford (8-12) at Ascot 1m 4f hcp stks (2) gf in Jun.
Rainbow Dreamer 20-1 (9-0) Held up in touch in mid-division, closed on outside to chase leader over 10f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 20, 8 1/2l behind Trueshan (10-8) at Newcastle 2m hcp (2) pol in Jun.
