CHESTER 15:15

Non Runners: SAN MARTINO (IRE), SIR LAMORAK (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +38 yds

Time: 2m 45.83s Closing Sectional: (2f): 26.95s (98.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 102.4%

A race that has regularly thrown up very smart horses in recent years but, with a reduced Aidan O'Brien representation - 2 of his 3 declarations were scratched due to the going - and the standard-setting Wirko disappointing, this has the feel of just an average renewal, the winner likely to have no more than place claims in the Derby, likeable though he is; the pace was fair.

YOUTH SPIRIT (IRE) showed much improved form, all the better for his reappearance, relishing the longer trip and probably the return to softer conditions (juvenile win on good to soft); in touch, had to wait for gap over 2f out, switched entering straight, headway to lead inside final 1f, kept going well; he's open to further improvement and has earned a crack at the Derby, though quotes of around 20/1 probably sum up his chance.

SANDHURST (IRE) improved in first-time cheekpieces but didn't shape like one stepping up quite markedly in trip, looking a grinder, slightly surprising given his pedigree; raced off the pace, outpaced 3f out and short of room briefly over 2f out, stayed on straight, never nearer.

FANCY MAN (IRE) was fitter for his reappearance, taking a step forward and shaping better than the bare result, too, paying for a big move into contention, also possible that 1¼m will prove to be his optimum trip (not that stoutly bred); in touch, travelled well, rapid headway out wide over 2f out and led soon after, headed inside final 1f, no extra; he's likely to progress further.

WIRKO (GER) upped in trip, proved to be a disappointment, softer ground and/or the relatively quick turnaround (off just over a fortnight since Epsom) both plausible excuses; led, travelled fluently, headed approaching 2f out, weakened final 1f; he's worth another chance, his Epsom form backed up by the timefigure.

PLEASANT MAN in first-time cheekpieces, was back on softer ground but went backwards from reappearance, more to it than the longer trip even if he wouldn't be a certain stayer on pedigree, perhaps just not quite as good as his Royal Lodge form would suggest; tracked pace, shaken up 3f out, weakened 2f out.

LAW OF THE SEA ran no sort of race, subsequently found to be coughing; dwelt, raced off the pace, took keen hold, struggling 3f out, left behind soon after; he'd looked good prior to this.