Traditionally one of the meeting's weakest races and very much in the shadow of the Norfolk Stakes, but a decent renewal nevertheless and a worthy winner in ELHAMRI, whose debut win at Windsor worked out so well and whose subsequent defeat at Goodwodcould reasonably be forgiven on account of the soft ground.

Back on fast ground here, but not ideally drawn near the wide outside, Elhamri broke well and confirmed the impression he had made at Windsor - which was that he is all speed - by making all.To his credit, he put his head down when challenged, and outbattled Conquest, who, in terms of natural ability, is probably his match but whose attitude leaves a lot to be desired.

The Molecomb is the obvious target for Elhamri, and although that means returning to Goodwood he will take some passing if the ground is on top again.

Conquest showed a deal of promise first time out, but then put his head in the air and failed to run on in a good maiden at Newbury. Equipped with blinkers here, he was dropped out and covered up, and although he made headway up the rail going ominously well, Jimmy Fortune was at pains to hold on to him as long as he dare. When he went for him the response was a bit disappointing, but one can see why he has been impressing connections at home.

The eye-catcher was The Old Fella, fourth behind three useful sorts here on his only previous start, among them Coventry fifth Le Neige. He made rapid headway through the field after being right out the back, seemingly outpaced, and still virtually last 2f out. He was making up ground hand over fist and is going to be well suited by a return to 6f, a trip over which he has any maiden race at his mercy.

We'll Confer, a well-regarded Lingfield AW winner, showed up all of the way and had his chance, but Rabatash, on the other hand, was keeping on at the finish without ever getting there, having been hampered at the start.

Espartano, one of only two in the field who were unbeaten but unraced on ground this quick, looked to have the plum draw in stall 1. However, having been held up against the rail, he was never close enough to mount a challenge. He wasn't punished unduly when it was obvious he wouldn't get on terms, but he kept on steadily into eighth and is worth another chance to confirm his early-season promise.

Ninth-placed Stolt showed speed, but both Dimboola, who had acquired cheekpieces since his debut second to the Coventry winner Hellvelyn, and See In The Dark got outpacedand came from behind, without ever threatening.

Scented Present, second to Norfolk-bound Hoh Mike before landing only a weakish race at Lingfield, showed good speed again, but was in trouble well before the furlong pole.[GD]

Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.

Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.