held up in touch in last, closed on inside 2f out, chased winner and edged right from over 1f out, ran on, no chance with winner
led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon beaten
held up in touch, closed 2f out, ridden and stayed on same pace from over 1f out
tracked leader, challenged over 2f out, led and came towards stands side over 1f out, soon quickened away, ran on strongly, impressive
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, edged left and stayed on same pace
Aidan O'Brien won this last year with Astrology who ended up setting the pace for Camelot in the Derby. Although he'll improve for the longer trip, Magician's form last season was nothing special and CONTRIBUTER is preferred. He's not in the Derby as yet but this Group 3 looks the logical next step for Ed Dunlop's colt as he won a conditions event at Newbury in good style on his reappearance. Gabrial's Kaka was no match for Mirsaale when third in the Derby trial at Epsom and was due to run in yesterday's Chester Vase. Listed winner, Holy Warrior, lost his unbeaten record in a Group 3 at Longchamp last month while Willie The Whipper has also won a Listed event over a mile although he's yet to encounter anything like fast ground. Glacial Age looks outmatched in this company.
Contributer (IRE) 7-4 (8-13) Held up in touch in rear, headway on outer from 2f out, led entering final furlong, pushed out, comfortable, won at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo stk (3) gs in Apr beating Cruck Realta (8-10) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Gabrial's Kaka (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Prominent, led narrowly after 2f, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on one pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Mirsaale (8-13) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f 3yo stk (2) gd in Apr.
Glacial Age (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Chased winner, ridden and not quicken over 1f out, no impression when hung right inside final furlong, joined for 2nd post, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Queensberry Rules (9-2) at Sandown 1m con stks (3) gd in Apr.
Magician (IRE) 15-8 (9-3) Soon close up and led, pressed and joined from 2f out, badly hampered 1f out and eased, last of 7, 17l behind Big Break (9-0) at Leopardstown 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Willie The Whipper (8-13) 2nd of 8, 7l behind Morandi (8-13) at Saint-Cloud(FR) 1m 2f 2yo Grp 1 (1) hvy in Nov.
Holy Warrior (IRE) 13-2 (9-2) 7th of 9, 4l behind Triple Threat (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Apr.
