tracked leader, mistake 2nd, hit 6th, blundered and lost place next, tailed off 3 out, rallied after last, stayed on into remote 2nd towards finish, no chance with very easy winner
made all, drew clear 4 out, unchallenged, very easily
chased leaders, went remote 2nd before 3 out, tailed off when hit next, weakened and lost 2nd close home
always in last, completely tailed off after 4 out
Lake Baikal showed potential on debut but perhaps not enough to suggest he can trouble the two previous winners. Course and distance winner, Bialco, revealed a dogged attitude to prevail here last month and Blair Campbell, who retains the ride, can claim a welcome 3lb. He is definitely going the right way but BORICE has some high class French form in the book and cantered home unchallenged on a first start for Gordon Elliott. The yard's superb record at this track is there for all to see and the son of Network is taken to go in again despite a significant drop in trip.
Bialco (FR) 10-3 (11-6) Made all, clear before 7th, reduced lead when hit 2 out, strongly pressed when hit last, driven run-in, all out, won at Perth 2m 4f (4) gs in Jun beating Carrie Des Champs (10-13) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Borice (FR) 2-5fav (10-12) Made all, clear 3 out, canter, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f (4) gs in Jun beating Fortified Bay (11-4) by 34l, 4 ran.
Lake Baikal (FR) 10-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 2nd after 3rd, driven to challenge 2 out, soon outpaced by easy winner, 2nd of 5, 14l behind Skiddaw Valleys (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in May.
Island Mahee (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, progress into mid-division before 3 out, ridden in 9th and no impression 2 out, kept on one pace, 8th of 19, 24 1/4l behind Convara (11-4) at Down Royal 2m mdn Yielding in Jun.
Forresters Park (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Towards rear until fell 4 out, at Perth 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jul.