very slowly into stride, always in rear, ridden and hung right over 3f out, soon outpaced and weakened over 1f out
started slowly, behind, some headway 2f out, not reach leaders, one pace final furlong
dwelt, behind and ridden along, headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, not trouble first 2
prominent, headway over 1f out, led narrowly inside final furlong, hard ridden and headed post
unseated rider before start, soon led, challenged 2f out, stayed on until headed narrowly inside final furlong, rallied and led again post
started slowly, soon tracked leaders, chased leaders 2f out, every chance 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
slowly into stride and went right start, always towards rear, outpaced 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, challenged 2f out, effort and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
An obviously tricky race where some top yards are set to be represented. So a handful should be noted in the betting including: Hallhoo, Antonio Stradivari and Edge Of Blue. However, slender preference goes to Gimcrack entry Nightfall, who represents connections that have really made hay with their younger horses this season. The selection, a well related colt with a number of high-class performers in his bloodline, will obviously be a popular choice in being the mount of Ascot's favourite son Frankie Dettori. However, a closer inspection of Saeed Bin Suroor's record of a 15% overall strike-rate at Ascot over the last five years, underlines the operation's liking for their raids on Ascot prize-money. Being a son of Rahy, the selection is sure to improve over slightly further. But even so, his sire has been a good source of winners over this trip and a bold bid cannot be ruled out. Hallhoo is an expensive purchase that is sure to placed top good effect sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, his stable have been finding winners hard to come by in races like this and he may be best watched today. Taj India is another who may need the experience and his contingency plan at Beverley next week looks a much easier opening for him. Antonio Stradivari does make plenty of appeal on pedigree and could seriously trouble the selection if he is ready to go today. Even so, the fact that he has choices next week suggests he may need this and a cautious stance is advised today. However, Nightfall also has a few easier options open to him but there will surely be a revised plan to include York if he can come out on top today.
