Expert Analysis

Not easy form to assess, Salver looking very good but running his rivals into the ever-softening ground and probably flattered to a degree by his margin as second and fourth wilted, his 143 rating below the race standard but still among the best of the juveniles seen so far, that division led marginally by 145-rated Burdett Road who was withdrawn from this on account of the “going”. His final 4f time of 63.59s equates to a 101.0% finishing speed but the beaten horses were all much slower than par.

SALVER (h143+ here, 122+ previously) looked a phenomenon in the conditions, but a modest overall time and some particularly slow late splits by his rivals suggest this may not be quite as good as it appears. He jumped well and disputed the lead until going on for sure 3 out, forging clear from that point and kept up to his work for most of the way. He is not certain to go for the Triumph unless conditions are testing but is a horse with a future either way.

BALBOA (h113+ here, 127 previously) probably dipped below his previous form, failing to get home in the testing conditions having disputed the lead until 3 out, still holding on for second in a depleted field.

AUTHOCELTIC (h103 here and previously) was out with the washing on the home turn, having been less than fluent at times before that, but kept going to claim third, showing modest ability again.

HARSH (h101 here, 123+ previously) failed to get home in the testing conditions having been third and in touch going to 3 out.

SEAHOUSES (h0 here and previously)