tracked leading pair on inside, went 2nd approaching final 2f until well over 1f out, chased leading pair until ridden 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
led, pushed along and quickened over 2f out, ridden and pressed over 1f out, headed 1f out, outpaced inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home
sweating, tracked leading trio, effort on outside into 2nd well over 1f out, challenged over 1f out, led 1f out, quickened and came clear inside final furlong, impressive
steadied start, held up last, switched left to outside over 2f out, headway soon after, ridden and went 3rd 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, took 2nd close home, no chance with winner
tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, lost 2nd soon after, weakened tamely
Nonrunner
Aidan O'Brien has won this five times since the turn of the century but not since 2009. Four of the last seven winners have started at odds-on and Gleneagles will be a short price as he bids to win a fourth Group 1. He was also first-past-the-post in the Grand Criterium in October, when Aktabantay was behind, only to lose the race in the stewards' room. The dual Guineas winner is difficult to oppose as Belardo was only fourth at the Curragh and appears to have little chance of turning the tables. Consort and Latharnach step up from Listed class, though Frankie's mount still has plenty of scope. MAKE BELIEVE could be a bit of value against the favourite. Olivier Peslier gave him a canny ride to win the French 2000 Guineas and he could also get an uncontested lead in this. If he handles the quicker surface, Andre Fabre's colt might be difficult to pass.
Aktabantay 20-1 (8-13) 6th of 9, 2 1/4l behind Full Mast (8-13) at Longchamp(FR) 7f 2yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct.
Consort (IRE) 11-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along when not clear run and switched left just over 2f out, switched left again well over 1f out, challenged over 1f out, led final 150 yards, ridden and stayed on strongly, won at Sandown 1m 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May beating Secret Brief (9-0) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Gleneagles (IRE) 2-5fav (9-0) Mid-division on inner, effort when short of room briefly 2f out, pushed along in 5th 1 1/2f out, ridden and went 3rd 1f out, headway to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Curragh 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) in May beating Endless Drama (9-0) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Latharnach (USA) 5-2fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, headway to chase winner inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Tupi (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May.
Make Believe 5-1 (9-2) won at Longchamp(FR) 1m 3yo Grp 1 gd in May beating New Bay (9-2) by 3l, 18 ran.
Belardo (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Dwelt and held up in rear, progress on outer 3f out, went 7th and ridden 2f out, 3rd briefly 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Gleneagles (9-0) at Curragh 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) in May.
