held up in touch, ridden along 4f out, weakened 2f out
took keen hold, held up in rear, no impression on leaders from over 2f out
steadied start, held up in rear, headway wide and plenty to do 2f out, kept on to take 3rd inside final furlong, no impression on winner
behind, headway to chase leaders 2f out on inside, soon under pressure, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden along over 2f out, headed well over 2f out, weakened quickly final furlong
tracked leader, under pressure over 2f out, no further progress, one pace final furlong
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong
pulled very hard, close 3rd, led well over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong, pushed out
held up in touch, effort 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
held up towards rear, ridden and hung right approaching 2f out to inside final furlong, kept on, no impression on leaders
Last year's running of this race is as impressive a piece of form on offer and, as their will be no Nayef to stand in his way, Rakti is fancied to gain some just compensation; possibly at the main expense of Sulamani and Powerscourt, who underline the quality in the line up as two of the best alternatives. Last season's St Leger third Phoenix Reach, along with the progressive Iktayar, also have to given solid chances and do their bit to add to what will be an intriguing affair - especially when consideration of the ultra-tough Bandari is also factored in. That said, Mark Johnston's charge has fallen just short of the mark at this highest grade in the past and he will do well to extend his winning sequence to four on the bounce here. There is nothing between him and Iktayar on their latest encounter and, as John Gosden's charge is the lesser exposed, Richard Hills is no doubt hoping that he can break his hoodoo and has chosen to ride the right horse this time. A number of the rest also have each-way claims on the best of their efforts and it will be interesting to see how close Kaieteur gets to Sulamani this time if he gets a clear passage today. However, last season's form suggests the mount of Frankie Dettori will emerge on top in that personal battle and he provides the selection with the biggest threat today. However, the five-year-old has not had an ideal preparation this season and there has to be the suspicion that he will be better for the run. Rakti, on the other hand, has reportedly done well over the winter and has had this as his target since finishing second here last year. The son of Polish Precedent also has much the better draw over this trip and, with master tactician, Phillip Robinson sure to be live to any weaknesses, this multiple Listed and Group Race winner could have the unassailable edge today.
