Princess Flame took keen hold, chased leader after 2f, led 7f out until 6f out, chased leader after until led again 2f out, edged left but held on gamely final furlong

Wee Charlie Castle took keen hold, held up in midfield, ridden 3f out, edged left and switched right over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, went 2nd near finish

Double Spectre reared at start and very slowly away, soon in touch in rear, switched right and headway 2f out, ran on well final furlong, went 3rd near finish

Compton Charlie took keen hold, chased leaders, disputed 2nd and hung left 2f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong

Alexander Guru took keen hold, chased leader for 2f out, disputed 2nd and ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong

Golden Alchemist took keen hold, held up in touch, lost place and behind 4f out, stayed on under pressure from over 1f out, not threaten leaders

Hatch A Plan took keen hold, chased leaders until headway to lead 6f out, clear 4f out, headed and ridden 2f out, soon weakened

Darghan slowly into stride, took keen hold, held up in midfield, steadied to rear 6f out, headway 3f out, chased leaders and ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong

Ryedale Ovation slowly into stride, held up in touch, switched right and ridden 2f out, never pace to trouble leaders

King Of Connacht took keen hold, chased leaders until lost place 5f out, effort and ridden 2f out, soon hung left and no impression

Dr McFab took keen hold, held up well in touch, ridden over 3f out, behind last 2f

Silver Surprise led until 7f out, ridden 4f out, soon weakened

Danehill Folly slowly into stride, in touch until lost place 5f out, tailed off last 2f

The ground was left as officially good to firm prior to this. The race was most notable for its lack of early pace as the field crawled through the first half and that resulted in the first five horses home being closely covered at the finish.

It wentthe way of the versatile PRINCESS FLAME, who got a sensible ride, and opened her account in this sphere at the sixth time of asking. Always handy, she sensibly kicked for home at the two-furlong marker and showed a very game attitude to fend off her pursuers where it mattered most. She has now won a bumper, hurdle and now on the level, with her connections keen to send her over fences in the autumn in an attempt to complete a clean sweep of the different disciplines. There is probably another race tobe won with her on the Flat, and her versatility as regards underfoot conditions is a notable plus.

Wee Charlie Castle, penalised for his ready win under a week ago, would have no doubt been better served by a stronger gallop and ran another solidrace in defeat. He is a consistent performer so helps to set the level of this form and may not be finished winning just yet.

Compton Charlie, 1lb higher, proved keen due to the moderate early pace and ended up having every chance.

Alexander Guru, placed on his last four outings, was able to race from a 5lb lower mark on this return to the turf and was another who got produced with every chance. He just lacked a finishing kick, but this was a sound effort from him and deserves to find an opening.

Further back Darghan left the impression he would benefit for this first outing of the year and his fortunes can improve when his stable emerges from its current quiet spell.

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