This was not great, with the majority having recently done nothing of note coming into the contest. That slur, though, could not have been attributed to either WAVERTREE WARRIOR or Cross The Line, who filled the first two places and pulled nicely clear of the rest for good measure. Wavertree Warrior came here at the top of his game and has the look of an improving horse. The manner in which he cruised through the contest impressed, and once in front there is a very good chance that he was dossing. Hemight well be good enough to make his mark one of the better handicaps before long but he is also clearly effective at bossing inferior horses when carrying a big weight. Either way, he should be followed.

Cross The Line had twice come close to winning at Kempton in recent weeks but he was frustratingly only placed once again. While he gave the winner first run and found himself with plenty to do, he was not actually closing in on Wavertree Warrior in the final half-furlong, and took the placing that his performance deserved.

Blue Java had landed a Salisbury handicap last week, and he was clearly fancied to follow up. Some will say he was unlucky, in that he was trapped for room over two furlongs out and then again over a furlong out, but it should be pointed out that he was not quick enough to take an opening when one appeared early in the straight, while he was also one-paced when racing room did materialise. He ran well, and fourth place was probably about right.

Chateau Nicol ran on but only when the race was as good as over, whereas Grizedale and Lizarazu folded after forcing the gallop.

Corky was not in a playful mood.

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