CHESTER 15:15 3c431k

Non Runners: OLD HARROVIAN, ISRAR. Race Distance Adjustment: +23 yds

Time: 3m 6.02s Closing Sectional: (2f): 26.4s (104.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.3%

This developed into a tactical affair, the tempo lifting only from 3f out, speed tested more than stamina, plenty to like about the winner's display in the circumstances, encouragement from the performances of the placed pair as well, this all in all a good race at the level.

HAMISH starting out on his fifth campaign but making just his fifteenth start, repeated his win in this race last year, showing all his ability remains, finding the best turn of foot in a race that tested speed over stamina; held up, travelled well, headway 2f out, shaken up straight, produced to lead 1f out, in command soon after, eased close home; he's in the Hardwicke Stakes, though his participation is likely to be ground dependent, a winner on firm in his younger days but raced only on softer than good since 2020.

LONE EAGLE (IRE) took the eye beforehand and shaped a fair bit better than he had at Newbury, enough there to suggest his new yard might be getting him back to his best, a further step forward next time on the cards; bumped start, tracked pace, took keen hold, shaken up 2f out, every chance 1f out, not quicken, kept on close home.

CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) successful on 3 of 4 starts last year and fifth in the Derby, hadn't been seen since winning the Edward VII at Royal Ascot and left the impression the race was just needed, notwithstanding his strength in the market, though his chance wasn't quite so clear-cut as the odds suggested; led, shaken up 3f out, headed 1f out, no extra; he has a number of entries in top races, including the Gold Cup, though the Hardwicke seems a more obvious Royal Ascot target.

SUNCHART ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, on the one hand not ideally positioned, on the other the tactical nature of the race meaning he wasn't beaten so far as he might have been; missed the break, held up, not settle fully, not clear run over 2f out, outpaced soon after, kept on inside final 1f.

ENEMY without his usual tongue strap, was below form, seeming unsuited by the way the race favoured speed over stamina; tracked pace, short of room over 2f out, shaken up after, soon outpaced.

MAX VEGA (IRE) ran to a similar level as last time, not yet firing on all cylinders this year, a 3 lb penalty again no help; waited with, shaken up 3f out, not quicken, no extra final 1f.