held up mid-division, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, never dangerous
raced alone far rail, well in touch, switched right to join main group 4f out, hung right 2f out, weakened final furlong
started slowly, in rear, well behind final 2f
led until headed over 2f out, kept on until weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened and eased heavily final furlong
held up behind, under pressure 4f out, weakened 2f out, never dangerous
close up, ridden over 2f out, unable to quicken, weakened over 1f out
dwelt, held up behind, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out but no chance
held up towards rear, headway wide into straight well over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
held up, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, always going well, shaken up to lead over 2f out, soon well clear, ridden out, impressive
held up in touch and wide, ridden over 4f out, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd final furlong
The big race of the day has assembled an excellent field, and Nayef can go one better than last year, the dangers being Falbrav, Sulamani, and the Derby winners Kris Kin and Alamshar. Nayef was narrowly beaten by Golan in this race last year, and although beaten fair and square by Falbrav in the Eclipse Stakes, he can gain revenge over this two-furlong further trip. Wind the clock back six months and Sulamani would be a warm order for this race. His Dubai Sheema Classic win confirmed his status as a top-class colt although his Saint-Cloud fourth last time was very disappointing. However, he would not let himself down on the going that day, and that seems to be the key to him. Further rain would increase his chances of landing this race. The Vodafone Derby winner, Kris Kin, has not got the best of the draw, but should also run a big race against the older horses, as should the Epsom third and subsequent Irish Derby winner, Alamshar. They pose the biggest three-year-old threat to the older brigade but Nayef would be a worthy winner and gets the nod.