held up last, ridden and outpaced by leading pair over 4f out, eased when no chance final 2f
tracked leader, led 7f out, ridden and heade well over 2f out, stayed challenging until driven and no chance with winner over 1f out
led to 7f out, soon struggling in rear, tailed off final 4f
tracked leaders, went 2nd 7f out, led well over 2f out, edged right over 1f out, clear and in no danger when hung badly right inside final furlong
With neither Five Dynasties nor North Light certain to handle the testing conditions and Hazyview a far from certain stayer, a chance is taken with Percussionist, who should have no problems on either score. The selection is a son of Sadler's Wells trained by John Gosden and, having shown promise in two starts as a juvenile, opened his account at Newmarket's Craven meeting when landing a 1m4f maiden that usually throws up a few decent horses. With the emphasis likely to be on stamina it is debatable whether Hazyview, who is by the miler Cape Cross can stay today¿s trip. A bigger threat then is likely to come from one of the two sons of Danehill in the race. Tralee maiden winner Five Dynasties represents the stable of Aidan O'Brien and has to be respected, especially given the fine start that his trainer has made to the season, but of more interest is Sir Michael Stoute's North Light. A brother to Researched and half-brother to the stayer Cover Up, he is more likely of the two to stay the trip on this ground. Maidstone Midas looks to be completely out of his depth in a race where the vote goes to Percussionist.
