Traditionally a clash between a crack middle-distance performer or two and some of the top stayers, but the withdrawals of Collier Hill and, particularly, Day Flight reduced the competitiveness of this renewal and only a handful ended up giving their running in a race which was run at a strong pace. But PERCUSSIONIST has shown he is capable of high-class form when there is give in the ground, notably running away with the Lingfield Derby Trial, finishing fourth in the Derby itself and second in this contest 12 months ago, and showed here he retains that ability, leading over two furlongs out and running on well. He had failed by some way to live up to expectations over hurdles in the winter but was reported to have a breathing problem on morethan one occasion. That ailment looks to have been cured since judged on this success and he should prove a tough nut to crack in this company granted suitable underfoot conditions - an accurate weather forecast will be important when it comes to deciding whether to supplement him for the Gold Cup.

Royal Ascot beckons for Sergeant Cecil, who progressed remarkably through the handicap ranks last season and confirmed the promise of his reappearance to show he is worthy of respect in Pattern class, coming from off the pace to hold virtually every chance a furlong out and keeping on to come clear of the rest. His Cesarewitch victory shows he stays marathon trips and with no superstar such as Westerner in the race this year, he would have to feature high on any Gold Cup shortlist.

Kastoria promises to make a smart middle-distance stayer this season, only her second to race, and looked to have strong claims with the mares' allowance here but was ultimately a shade disappointing, comfortably held in a one-paced fourth - the first time she has been out of the first two. However, there are likely to be easier opportunities for her in the much-expanded fillies' Pattern programme.

The Geezer was a long way off the form of his St Leger second - on similar ground - on this debut for Godolphin, finding little in the latter stages, but his stable is in dismal form and he is probably more safely judged when the string are in better shape. A similar remark applies to his stablemate Cherry Mix, who set a strong pace. Winged d'Argent was ridden from a long way out and failed to confirm the apparent signs from his Chester Cup effort that he is coming back to a bit of form, though the trip was on the short side for him and he needed to improve to figure in the finish. [DC]

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