tracked leaders, chased leader over 2f out, ridden to lead just over 2f out, ran on strongly under pressure, driven out
held up 6th in touch, headway 2f out, chased winner and effort over 1f out, no extra, weakened inside final furlong
raced keenly on outside, effort over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened over final furlong
steadied start, held up last, headway on outside 2f out, stayed on to go narrow 2nd inside final furlong, not reached winner and lost 2nd final strides
prominent in 5th on inside, not clear run 2f out, not quicken when clear over 1f out, soon weakened
led until headed just over 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard, tracked leader on inside, not clear run over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on, not troubled winner inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides
The penalised Ramonti is the class act in the race but he's had some time off with injury so we're going to take him on with course specialist CESARE; Archipenko appeals as the biggest danger from the remainder. The selection won this race last year with a stylish display but he faces a much stiffer task this year as the quality of the opposition is far greater. However, there have been signs that he's a better horse this year as one and a quarter length defeats in the Lockinge and the Queen Anne Stakes testify. He was rated an unlucky loser in some quarters in the latter and has to be fancied in receipt of weight from his principal rivals. Godolphin will be delighted to have the multiple Group 1 winning Ramonti back on track and whilst they will want to see a big run from him, defeat would not be the end of the world. They want to win races at the highest tier and this run should put him spot on for a likely tilt at the Sussex Stakes. Mike De Kock has forged a formidable record overseas but his few ventures into the waters of British racing have yet to reap any reward. Archipenko has developed into a top class performer since joining the South African maestro but he's coming back from a break, has a penalty and we're happy to take him on. Pressing has never won at this trip, Kandidate and Barshiba are playing for minor prize money and Elusive Warning has a bit to find but we wouldn't be too quick to dismiss the supposed second string. The ex-American performer did well in Dubai earlier in the year and is in this line-up on merit but the claims of Cesare are preferred.
Archipenko (USA) (9-0) Broke well, pushed along on bend, picked up nicely under pressure to lead over 1f out, drew away final furlong, won at Sha Tin 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Apr beating Balius (9-0) by 2l, 12 ran.
Pressing (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Took keen hold tracking leaders, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 6l behind Duke Of Marmalade (9-0) at Ascot 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Ramonti (9-0) Raced keenly in 3rd to straight, led approaching final furlong, driven out, won at Sha Tin 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Dec beating Viva Pataca (9-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cesare 15-2 (9-0) Towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 1l behind Haradasun (9-0) at Ascot 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Elusive Warning (USA) 5-2fav (9-0) Settled in rear, ran on well final 2f, every chance final furlong, nearest finish, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Diamond Stripes (9-0) at Nad Al Sheba 1m Grp 2 (1) std in Mar.
Kandidate 10-1 (9-8) Led, driven over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened and lost 2nd last 100yds, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Many Volumes (9-5) at Sandown 1m 2f lst stk (1) gf.
Barshiba (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Led until headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 13, 5l behind Sabana Perdida (8-12) at Ascot 1m fll stk Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
