The ground was back to “good” (as advertised) for the final day of the Chester May Meeting, having been watered and slower than that earlier in the week. This was run at a fairly steady pace (winner’s final 2f of 23.63s gives a 106.0% finishing speed) and the first 2 showed smart form, with the third shaping quite well also.
THE FOXES (114 here, 115 previously) had been 4th at Sha Tin and 2nd in Saudi Arabia in elite company on his 2 most recent appearances and all but matched that form with a ready success, leading for 1f then tracking and travelling well, switched outside and running on for pressure to lead with 125 yards to go. Probably best around this trip, he should continue to go well just below the very best class.
CAIRO (111 here, 106 previously) was back to the form of his second to Paddington in the Irish 2000 Guineas a couple of years back, having been performing respectably in the UAE. Always close up, he led approaching the final 1f but could not withstand the winner’s strong late run.
LIBERTY LANE (107+ here, 113 previously) still seemed a little rusty but shaped quite well, held up last, flat-footed as things really heated up 3f out, then going on well in the final 1f, never a threat. He won handicaps in 2024, albeit good ones including the Cambridgeshire, but ought to be up to winning in listed/G3 company.
BOLSTER (107 here, 110 previously) ran quite close to form, making most then no extra.
SPACE LEGEND (105 here, 110 previously) should come on for this, at a trip that may be too short by now, held up and lacking the pace to improve but running respectably.
CERTAIN LAD (104 here, 112 previously) got worked up beforehand and did not lead after a slow start, not altogether discredited in any case.
