settled in 3rd, tracked winner going well after 4 out, mistake 2 out, lost 2nd, rallied under pressure but no impression on winner
soon outpaced and well in rear, tailed off when blundered 4 out
led, mistake 9th, blundered and headed 4 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened 3 out, no chance when mistake next
tracked leader, led 4 out, jumped left 2 out, in command before last, hard driven and ran on well flat
raced in 4th, mistakes 8th and 9th, soon beaten
held up in 5th, steady headway to track leading pair 3 out, chased winner narrowly last, no impression and lost 2nd stride
soon outpaced in rear, tailed off 4 out
Azertyuiop effectively lacked a previous outing when beaten by Moscow Flyer here 12 months ago (having unseated his rider at the first in the Haldon Gold Cup previously) but there were no such problems this year and the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding is taken to confirm the fine impression that he made at Exeter and win this Grade 1 contest, with Well Chief rated the best of the remainder. The champion two-miler of last season could hardly have been more impressive at Exeter and, if in the same mood will be tough to beat. Moscow Flyer obviously warrants the utmost of respect but is never one to trust implicitly as he is prone to the odd error and the 10-year-old is due a bad won having won his last three starts, latterly when an easy winner at Navan on his return last month. The presence of Cenkos, who is just below top class, should ensure a decent gallop and his supports, along with those of Upgrade, will be hoping to capitalize on any failings of the market principals. If there is a danger to Azertyuiop it may come from Upgrade's stablemate Well Chief. Martin Pipe's gelding won last season's Arkle on only his second start over fences but showed that was no fluke when following up at Aintree's Grand National meeting. The son of Night Shift looked as though the run would do him good when second to Armaturk on his reappearance at Cheltenham's Open meeting last time and under man of the moment Timmy Murphy he has to be respected. However, Azertyuiop was brilliant at Exeter and a reproduction of his form their would surely see him collect.
