A decent gallop under these conditions, with the first two, SPHINX and Wing Collar coming from off the pace. The winner, who travelled strongly throughout, was thought by his trainer to have gone on too soon over two miles at Newbury last time when he ultimately faded over two miles.John Egan was at his most patient, waiting until the furlong pole loomed large before sending his mount into the lead and quickly putting his stamp on the race. He looks in excellent heart at present and it will be interesting to see whether he turns out again at Nottingham on Saturday under a penalty, an option his trainer is considering for this china-legged horse, who appreciates give in the ground.

Wing Collar, who goes well on this course, ran a blinder, arguably on ground softer than he prefers and without the cheekpieces he wore when twice winning here last summer. He has plainly returned in good nick.

Cotton Eyed Joe, who was ridden along and looked likely to backpeddle three furlongs out, regained his momentum and stayed on dourly to the finish.

The remainder were a dozen or more lengths behind with Reluctant Suitor heading the chasing pack.

Ofthe others, Sualda ran well for a long way and will doubtless improve for the outing.

Dr Sharp was reported to have run flat by Robert Winston, while Kevin Darley said that Velvet Heights lost his action.[T.O'R]

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