held up in 4th, closed on bit to track leading pair 2f out, soon ridden and hung fire, kept on reluctantly to take 2nd 1f out
tracked leader, driven along 6f out, lost 2nd over 4f out, no chance final 2f
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 4f out, led over 1f out, driven and stayed on well final furlong
set good pace, hard ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no impression and lost 2nd 1f out
always rear, driven along and struggling 4f out, finished tired and walked over line
Defining can beat Corrib Eclipse in the finale, with Swift Tango and Supremacy worth a mention at least. The first two named were both successful last time out and there should not be too much between them. We slightly prefer the claims of Defining though, and James Fanshawe's gelding can out-gallop his rivals today. Fourth in the Ebor, he won with any amount in hand at Haydock next time, and was eased down close home by Johnny Murtagh. A crack at the Melbourne Cup is not out of the question for the five-year-old who has hit form at the right time and he can see off the challenge of Corrib Eclipse. The latter is a very useful out-and-out stayer who has already captured the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot and more recently Pontefract's Phil Bull Trophy. Even today's trip may be on the short side then and he is worth taking on. He will be a force to be reckoned with when sent over hurdles and a long-distance event at the Cheltenham Festival is not out of the question. Swift Tango tries the trip for the first time, while last year's winner Supremacy has been disappointing so far this term. We shall stay with Defining in the last.
