CHESTER 14:45

Non Runners: THEMAXWECAN (IRE).

Time: 4m 7.11s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.45s (104.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 122%, Betfair SP 100%

A wide open-looking renewal of the Chester Cup chiefly because most of the field are about where they should be in the handicap, the top-weight and sole Irish-trained runner Falcon Eight making his class tell on his handicap debut at the age of 6, value for extra over the result, too, sweeping through from off what hadn't been a breakneck pace by any means, Hochfeld in third the one of the principals to suffer in-trouble running and likely to have finished a clear second at worst otherwise.

FALCON EIGHT (IRE) gelded since last seen 10 months earlier, proved at least as good as ever as he made his first appearance in a handicap a winning one, value for extra over the result, too, after sweeping through from off the pace in a way nothing else threatened to; held up, smooth headway from 3f out, came wide straight, produced to lead final 1f, well on top finish; it'll presumably be either the Ascot Stakes or Queen Alexandra next, likely to be a leading contender for either.

THE GRAND VISIR after 6 months off, ran up to best; chased leaders, pushed along under 3f out, stayed on; he'll presumably head for Royal Ascot next, narrowly beaten in the Queen Alexandra last year having won the Ascot Stakes in 2019.

HOCHFELD (IRE) turned out again quickly, was having his first try in excess of 2m and unlucky not to finish closer, at the very top of his game at the minute and one to be very much interested in next time; in touch, short of room over 2f out, shuffled back, switched over 1f out, responded well, sure to have finished at least a couple of lengths closer with a clear passage.

COEUR DE LION was having his first crack at the Chester Cup itself having won and been narrowly beaten in 2 renewals of the Plate and showed himself as good as ever; mid-field, pushed along 5f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on well, nearest at the finish; it'll be next stop Ascot Stakes no doubt, though repeating his 2020 success will be hard from a higher mark and with Irish-trained runners back on the scene.

TRUMPET MAN wasn't so fresh with a run behind him and ran well trying a distance in excess of 2m for the first time, likely to be interesting back in a traditional staying handicap next time, especially if his usual more positive tactics can be re-employed; mid-field, pushed along under 3f out, kept on.

GLENCADAM GLORY has been given a chance by the handicapper, 4 lb lower than when runner-up in the Ebor last summer, and he acquitted himself well on the balance of his recent form with front-running tactics readopted, now rated on this; made running, worn down final 1f.

NOT SO SLEEPY had no excuses, soon well positioned from a tricky draw but finding others seeing it out that bit better late in the day; chased leader, every chance approaching final 1f, no extra.

ROCHESTER HOUSE (IRE) had a difficult draw and ran creditably, forced to race wider than ideal for a long way and that probably compromising his finishing effort to some extent; in touch, ridden over 2f out, hung left, no extra final 1f.

FUTURE INVESTMENT hadn't got home in the Cesarewitch over this trip when last seen but wasn't beaten by lack of stamina 7 months on, left poorly placed from a difficult draw and having little chance of getting competitive, best not judged on this run; steadied at the start, dropped out, headway under pressure approaching final 1f, never on terms.

NATE THE GREAT had every chance and remains in good form, this further evidence that the handicapper has him where he wants him; in touch, ridden over 2f out, no extra final 1f.

RESHOUN (FR) doesn't have a great record when fresh and looked rusty after 7 months off, finding himself further back than ideal after a tardy start, too; slowly into stride, raced off the pace, went with little fluency, never dangerous.

WHO DARES WINS (IRE) had been freshened up for his fourth crack at the race but failed to make the frame for the first time; mid-field, ridden over 2f out, made no impression.

LUCKY DEAL has been tailed off in 2 attempts at this race, fair to assume that Chester isn't for him; slowly into stride, raced well off the pace, never on terms.

CARDANO (USA) without headgear this time, had the plum draw and a lovely pitch just behind the pace but patently failed to stay upped more than 4f in distance; tracked pace, weakened under 2f out, eased final 1f.

BLAKENEY POINT is better known as a fairly useful hurdler these days and found this way too competitive returned to the Flat; pushed along early, settled mid-field, driven over 4f out, beaten over 3f out.

RARE GROOVE (IRE) had the worst of the of draw and probably deserves a pass, though a 4 lb rise for his Newcastle win was always likely to make life tough wherever he'd been drawn; raced well off the pace, shaken up under 4f out, beaten over 2f out.