ASCOT 15:20

Non Runners: FROSTY BERRY. Race Distance Adjustment: +15 yds

Time: 3m 30.4s Closing Sectional: (3f): 38.55s (101.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 99.4%

A keenly contested running of this Gold Cup trial, all bar 2 of the 9 entered for the premier stayers' race, and connections of at least the first 7 could draw positives from their runners' performance, the finish a tight one, the race tactically suiting those ridden handily, though the pacemaking Flying Officer emerges the pick of the weights, given a 5-lb penalty.

MIZZOU (IRE) made a successful return after 8 months off, just as he did in this race in 2015, not needing to improve and well positioned but showing a very willing attitude; handy, pushed along 4f out, disputed lead 2f out, edged ahead final 1f, kept on gamely; he came up short in the Gold Cup last year, albeit set a lot to do, but he's still very lightly raced and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him fare better this time round.

CLEVER COOKIE under a significant change of rider, was ridden more patiently than on his return, though closer than typical last year, and it looked likely to bring reward before he was effectively outbattled; in touch, effort 4f out, challenged from 2f out, stayed on, outbattled; he holds a Gold Cup entry and may well turn up in that, though he has questions to answer now, and the ground may not be ideal by then.

FLYING OFFICER (USA) ran well after 6 months off, particularly taking his penalty into account, even if he had the run of the race; led, travelled well, pushed along over 3f out, joined 2f out, kept on, no extra final 50 yds; has to prove himself beyond 2m, but clearly merits consideration for the Gold Cup.

SUEGIOO (FR) shaped encouragingly after 5 weeks off, left with a bit to do, but building up to something for his new yard, the trip of the Gold Cup likely to suit, even if the company might be too much; held up, travelled well, steady headway after 4f out, kept on well after 2f out, never landed a blow.

BURMESE shaped encouragingly after 7 months off, running really well upped in grade, even better than the bare result, fifth place poor reward for a ruined handicap mark; waited with, effort straight, keeping on when not clear run over 1f out, stayed on inside final 1f, never landed a blow; looks set to be campaigned ambitiously, but is open to a fair bit more improvement and may yet reward such a policy.

SANDRO BOTTICELLI (IRE) ran creditably over 3f longer trip, ridden to get the trip and as a result left with too much to do; dropped out, still plenty to do 3f out, kept on well after 2f out, nearest at the finish.

GLARING shaped as if needing run on first outing since leaving Andre Fabre after 9 months off, shaping well until lack of fitness told from 2f out; handy, travelled well, shaken up straight, weakened over 1f out; shouldn't be underestimated with this under his belt.

SEISMOS (IRE) was well held in first-time blinkers, tried in cheekpieces previously; close up, weakened after 2f out.

AMBER FLUSH was out of her depth; held up, went in snatches, labouring after halfway.