This was a very solidly run race and no surprise that those in or near the lead never paid a dividend and the trifecta came from a run on trio. Alinko Prince was not ridden all that pretty being back and wide then improved deepest across the top to home turn before being unleashed and given full bore. The 5yo had not raced for five weeks so must have had some sound work to maintain a fitness core honed over the Spring. He was overhauling them when into fourth at the 200m and took the lead at the 100m before scoring by threequarters of a length in 2:15.61. It was his sixth win in twenty-two starts and in that time has saluted at 1400m up to 2200m and all came on rain-affected footing (dead, slow and heavy). Today was his first Listed win and he only tried blacktype once before and was at this same level when second beaten a short neck. Jacksstar also came from the rear on settling and then moved wide into eighth midrace before improving deep again across the top to loom fourth turning for home. He took the front at the 300m but could not repel the superior surge of the winner though was a clear cut second from the rest behind him at the line. Echezeaux ran on well after finding some traffic and running into dead ends at key moments and is a mare that needs clear air. She is in for a good year now fully mature and has at this point only finished worse that fourth once in her career and that came on debut. China Star set a solid clip and once headed at the 300m fought on okay and in fact only lost third money on the post. Sampson under 60kg was an honest fifth beaten two and a half lengths and when better weighted is ready to win. Balham never really got a clear crack at them the run home so can be forgiven as he looked to have a bit to offer. Show Maccool boxed on okay the closing stages after being second and chasing the clear leader therefore towing the field up in some respect the whole way. Antonio battled on fairly while Kairanga Lad had to severely grabbed hold off to avoid heels ahead at the 200m. Alcadesa found the class rise too much and weakened out accordingly. The winner Alinko Prince on the right footing has more wins in store and the runner up Jacksstar is a tough enough type. Echezeaux after just ten starts and four wins can race with more regularity and compile an even better record now strong enough to cope. China Star needs the right track to lead and steal races so Trentham with the long run home made her task more daunting but she can pilfer races soon at the right venue. Sampson is biding time until his weight is manageable and he is close to some form again but it is worth noting his last win came in November last year and before that a staggering thirteen months prior in October of 2015. Weight has buried this now 7yo male and relief does not seem near bar the very rare race that sees he is helped due to not having done much for a while with the example being in his last seven runs has won just once and never paid a dividend the other six outings. Balham was luckless again and can certainly find a slammed door or track bias against him.