led and set steady pace, pushed along briefly after 13th, went clear on bridle 4 out, unchallenged
chased winner, ridden and 7 lengths down when blundered 16th, jumped slowly 4 out, soon tailed off, refused last, took a turn and jumped 2nd attempt
An absolutely dire contest where Watch The Dove should have too much for his rivals, despite doubts about the trip for him. The selection should be long odds-on after a good performance behind Shalako over 2m 5f last time. That seemed to suit him better than some of the longer trips he has tried, though he did run second over three miles in a hurdle last year at Ascot and so he should have what it takes to see off two poor opponents. Allahrakha has not been seen out in this millennium and is now 13 years old. Ollie Carter is capable enough but it would be little short of a miracle if he could produce this gelding to win after such an absence and so Winnie The Pooh, who has plenty to find on the book, should be the one to separate the pair. But for the winner Watch The Dove fly in.
