mid-division, ridden along over 2f out, no headway, weakened quickly 2f out, soon well in rear
towards rear, steady headway from well over 1f out on outside, kept on inside final furlong to close on leaders, took 3rd final strides
in touch on outside, chased leader and effort over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, not pace of winner, kept on well for 2nd
led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace, faded inside final furlong
in rear, ridden along over 2f out, no progress, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, stayed on under pressure, no extra when headed final 100 yards and lost 2 places final strides
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge leader on inside over 2f out, brief effort, soon hung right and no extra, weakened final furlong
behind, pushed along over 2f out, slightly outpaced, headway and chased leaders over 1f out, ran on and quickened well to lead final 100 yards, driven out
Three of the last four favourites have won this race and this year's renewal can go the same way: TARTAN BEARER is selected to see off stiff competition from Vision D'Etat and Never On Sunday who lead a bold French invasion. Sir Michael Stoute's colt showed tremendous resolution last time out in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown, fending off a late challenge from Pipedreamer. Although the latter is not quite top-class over that trip, it was still a handsome run and having gone so close in last-year's English and Irish Derbys, compensation awaits here with a first Group One success. To be frank, the rest of the Anglo challenge looks below par, and most opposition is expected from Never On Sunday. His trainer has carried all before him in France this season and this colt already has a Group One win to his name for which he carries no penalty; one question mark is quick ground but it is unlikely to faze him. Vision D'Etat was only beaten by three lenghs in the Arc De Triomphe last year following on from his Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) win. He evidently stays very well so he wouldn't want this to become too tactical but his easy Prix Ganay win last time shows he is in fine form. Virtual deserves more credit than he often gets and he looks overpriced; John Gosden's charge steps up in trip today but if he lasts home then he should go close although again quick ground may be a worry. Twice Over was beaten fair and square last time behind Virtual but this longer trip is to his advantage, whilst Trincot's French form looks below that of his compatriots and like many Godolphin purchases he is yet to impress for his new yard. Don't ignore Tazeez now back on quicker ground as he has stack-loads of ability, but it is Tartan Bearer who is nominated to prevail.
Estejo (GER) (9-2) 6th of 8, 2 3/4l behind Selmis (9-2) at Capannelle(ITY) 1m 2f Grp 1 gf in May.
Never On Sunday (FR) 7-1 (9-2) won at Longchamp(FR) 1m 1f Grp 1 sft in May beating Gris De Gris (9-2) by 1l, 9 ran.
Tartan Bearer (IRE) 11-10fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, dropped to last trio 4f out, steadied pace under pressure from over 2f out, finished well final 100 yards, led final stride, won at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gd in Apr beating Pipedreamer (9-0) by shd, 8 ran.
Tazeez (USA) 13-2 (9-2) last of 9, 24l behind Never On Sunday (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 1f Grp 1 sft in May.
Trincot (FR) (9-2) 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Selmis (9-2) at Capannelle(ITY) 1m 2f Grp 1 gf in May.
Twice Over 15-2 (9-0) Led, pressed from 2f out, headed narrowly entering final furlong, still every chance, no extra close home, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Virtual (9-0) at Newbury 1m stks (1) sft in May.
Virtual 6-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden to challenge 2f out, pressed leader over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead post, won at Newbury 1m stks (1) sft in May beating Alexandros (9-0) by ns, 11 ran.
Vision D'etat (FR) 13-8fav (9-2) won at Longchamp(FR) 1m 2f Grp 1 gd in Apr beating Loup Breton (9-2) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
