slowly into stride, held up last, smooth headway on outside over 2f out, upsides winner, hanging left from over 1f out, no extra, held final 100 yards
tracked leading pair, squeezed through to lead inside final 2f, driven, strongly pressed over 1f out, in command final 100 yards, stayed on gamely
in 4th, effort going well 2f out, one pace, no impression from over 1f out
led early, with leader after, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out
soon led, ridden 3f out, headed inside final 2f, not pace of front pair inside final furlong
Frankie Dettori can get that winning feeling before the Derby by steering home Blue Ksar in the Diomed, with Blythe Knight and Ordnance Row also worth a mention. Frankie has been on board the winner here twice in the past ten years, having scored on Intikhaab for Godolphin in 1998, and of course he was in the plate when Nayyir was successful 12-months ago. Blue Ksar has pretty solid credentials, having brushed aside an absence since October when winning at Lingfield three weeks ago, and this versatile performer, who has been tried at all kinds of trips, should be even fitter now in his bid to gain a second Listed race. He does not look to have too much to fear from today's opponents, the best of whom is Blythe Knight. John Quinn's charge won the Lincoln last year, and has since won a decent race over hurdles at Aintree. In addition, he beat the Victoria Cup winner Wise Dennis at York just over a fortnight ago, so is up to this level, and it can be pointed out that Dettori rode him to victory for Ed Dunlop in the City And Suburban here three years go. The Italian will know if there are any chinks in the latter's armour therefore, and he can be taken on. Ordnance Row has it to do with Blythe Knight on a line through Wise Dennis, and although he deserves a stab at Listed company, is taking too much on, with preference for Blue Ksar.
Blue Ksar (FR) 6-4 (9-2) With leader, led going well over 2f out, ridden, in command final furlong, driven out, won at Lingfield 1m 2f stk (2) gs in May beating Hard Top (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Blythe Knight (IRE) 9-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden and headway over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on well, won at York 1m lst hcp (1) gs in May beating Wise Dennis (8-12) by 1l, 12 ran.
King Jock (USA) 11-4jt-fav (9-6) Prominent, effort 2f out, ran on, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Banknote (9-4) at Baden-Baden 1m Grp 3 gd in May.
Ordnance Row 5-1 (9-4) Held up, outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Trafalgar Square (8-9) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in May.
Welsh Emperor (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 17, 6l behind Amadeus Wolf (9-2) at York 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in May.
