dwelt, soon pushed along briefly, held up in 5th on inside, pulled out to chase winner well over 1f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never quite able to challenge, clear 2nd best
led, pushed along over 2f out, headed 2f out, outpaced to 3rd soon after, hard driven over 1f out, no chance with leading duo and lost 3rd last strides
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, ridden on inside 2f out, soon beaten
held up in last pair, pushed along on outside 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd last strides, no impression on leading duo
tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, 3rd when slightly hampered well over 1f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leading trio, effort on outside over 2f out, led 2f out, soon hung right to far rail, ridden and in command over 1f out, stayed on strongly
held up in 6th, pushed along 3f out, weakened 2f out, eased when no chance over 1f out
held up last, ridden on outside and no response well over 1f out
This is the acid test for the progressive Green Moon and we prefer to side with AT FIRST SIGHT; Bullet Train, Monterosso and Buzzword the others to take very seriously. Aidan O'Brien's charge looked for a time like causing a massive upset in the Derby at Epsom when sent at least ten lengths clear turning for home only to be reeled in by Workforce. To his credit, the Galileo colt stuck on for a clear second and strict reading of that form puts him clear of these; whilst he may have been flattered to a degree, it'd be remiss to ignore the effort and he deserves his chance to prove himself now dropped in grade; our concern is this will come too quickly but we'll trust his trainer. Green Moon hasn't looked back since winning an ordinary maiden at Leicester winning first in handicap company before taking the step up to Listed grade in his stride. The extra two furlongs here should suit Harry Dunlop's charge and this son of Montjeu is to be respected, but it's a big step up in class and we're inclined to oppose him. Bullet Train has over 30 lengths to find with our pick on Derby running but it's fair to assume he ran a long way below form at Epsom and many will give him another chance. Prior to that the three-year-old had won the Lingfield Derby Trial in good style and he could be hard to pass if given a positive ride. Buzzword still has to prove he stays having taken a modest eighth in the Derby but it's interesting that connections stick to this trip and he can't be totally discounted following a big run in the Poulains prior to that, especially as the yard are firing at present. Monterosso was no match for Green Moon when the pair met at Newbury but he was giving the winner 6lbs that day and they shouldn't be far from each other at the line; Mark Johnston's horse took a handicap off 94 last time and although this is much tougher he deserves a shot in group company. Arctic Cosmos and Togiak have leagues to find and Waseet needs to improve for this first try at 1m4f and we'll return to At First Sight in the hope he can prove that Derby run to be a true guide to his ability.
Arctic Cosmos (USA) 3-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, progress on outside over 2f out, strong run to lead, edged right and brushed runner up well over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Sierra Alpha (9-5) by 4 1/2l, 12 ran.
At First Sight (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Bumped start, soon led, set steady pace until quickened and clear 5f out, still 6 lengths ahead over 2f out, reduced lead and headed over 1f out, soon no chance with winner, stayed on for 2nd, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Workforce (9-0) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Bullet Train 13-2 (9-0) Close up tracked leader 9f out, 2nd straight, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 38l behind Workforce (9-0) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Buzzword 40-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, last straight, short lived effort on inside over 2f out, soon one pace and no chance, 8th of 12, 16l behind Workforce (9-0) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Green Moon (IRE) 2-1fav (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May beating Red Badge (9-0) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Monterosso 5-2fav (9-4) Close up, went 2nd entering final 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, edged left and pushed clear, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in May beating Caldercruix (8-11) by 4l, 8 ran.
Togiak (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, effort over 2f out, never on terms, 4th of 7, 7l behind Bullet Train (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 3f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in May.
Waseet 12-1 (9-0) Held up in last trio, pushed along on outside 3f out, soon one pace and never troubled leaders, 5th of 9, 11l behind Rewilding (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo lst stk (1) gd in May.
