CHESTER 15:10

Non Runners: ORIENTAL FOX (GER), BLUE RAMBLER. Race Distance Adjustment: +44 yds

Time: 2m 58.7s Closing Sectional: (2f): 24.1s (109%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 98.6%

A thin Group 3 on the one hand, Elidor and Cymro better known as handicappers yet not beaten far, though that rather does a disservice to the first 2, Dartmouth carrying a penalty and Wicklow Brave reappearing over a sharper test than may suit him, that pair ridden in contrast, probably the difference between them on the day, Dartmouth dictating and winding it up only from 3f out, hence the field - bar the immature Father Christmas - never got strung out.

DARTMOUTH showing different dimensions alongside his backbone form development this year, doing it from the front this time, an obvious advantage around here, pressing up from 3f out, and maintaining his edge to the line perhaps wasn't quite the all-out scramble it looked, shifting right initially in the straight and edging back left late on, not exactly dossing but always doing just enough, plus he was conceding 3 lb all round with his penalty; this puts him in line for the next rung up the ladder in the Hardwicke Stakes, though he's probably only second or even third in the stable queue behind the established Cannock Chase and the explosive (at Newmarket) Exosphere.

WICKLOW BRAVE did so well in his first season on the Flat that it almost seems his focus now, given an overdue break after a subdued run in the Fighting Fifth last November, clearly primed for this (first-time hood), picking up where he left off in Flat terms in the Long Distance Cup (third) on Champions day; has more speed than he's credited for and was very comfortable around here, including in the dash for home, switched to the inside in the straight and closing well, even after the rider had dropped his whip, only the tactical concession to Dartmouth marginally too much.

ELIDOR small field and modest pace helped him look more of a force at this level than he possibly is, looking cosmetically at the result, but regardless it was a big comeback effort by him, typically on the keen side (sat third) but sustaining his challenge well, though getting weight from the winner and a slight head start on the second.

CYMRO (IRE) did all he could, the shortfall put down to the grade, stepping up from handicaps, and even then his proximity likely had something to do with the uneven gallop, closest to Dartmouth for much of the race, unable to quicken over 1f out, but hanging in there chasing the principals until the end; testing ground may be his ticket to a greater impact at this level given how well he handles it.

FATHER CHRISTMAS (IRE) significant that he's been given another season at Ballydoyle, though easily explained by his lightly-raced profile and 3-y-o sign-off (third in King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, in cheekpieces), but subsequent absence suggests some problem and his lack of match practice as well as general experience seemed to show, in trouble as soon as the pace quickened, just running his own race thereafter.