chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
dwelt, held up in touch on outside, headway 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd final 100 yards but no chance with easy winner
held up towards rear, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong but no danger
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led for 1f, tracked leader, regained lead over 1f out, hard driven and headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
held up in rear, headway when not clear run inside final 2f, switched right and ran on to lead inside final furlong, soon clear
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, kept on inside final furlong
led after 1f to over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong
raced keenly, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, went 2nd 1f out until not quicken final 100 yards
A good start to the card and Al Qasi receives the recommendation ahead of Reverence and Appalachian Trail. The selection has got form around Ascot and while he was a little bit disappointing in the Golden Jubilee, any overnight rain would very much play to his strengths. Reverence is a high class performer and has to give weight all around. Eric Alston has made no secret of the fact that his targets are somewhat further down the line and it would be no surprise if the run is required on this occasion. Appalachian Trail is always a few points bigger than he should be as he hails from an unfashionable yard. Rain would also be in his favour. Ashdown Express has regressed with age and the percentage call is opposition. Assertive is progressive and is watched in the market. Baltic King ran a stormer last time out and the former handicapper now appears a viable proposition at this upper echelon. Drayton is still potentially unexposed in this country while Fonthill Road was not disgraced in the Chipchase. Sonny Red won with significant cut underfoot as a juvenile and is another to pay attention to in the market. Al Qasi looks to have plenty of things in his favour and secures the nod on this occasion.
Reverence 5-2fav (9-11) Tracked leader, led inside final 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 3l behind Hoh Mike (8-12) at Sandown 5f Grp 3 (1) gs.
Al Qasi (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 10th of 21, 6l behind Soldier's Tale (9-4) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Confuchias (9-0) at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
Ashdown Express (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Held up in centre group, some late headway, 13th of 26, 10l behind Dark Missile (8-6) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jun.
Assertive 66-1 (9-4) Close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened quickly well over 1f out, 16th of 21, 12l behind Soldier's Tale (9-4) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Balthazaar's Gift (IRE) 33-1 (9-5) Held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 17th of 18, 12l behind Sakhee's Secret (8-13) at Newmarket 6f Grp 1 (1) gf.
Baltic King 50-1 (9-4) Settled towards rear, steady headway from 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish, 7th of 21, 4 1/2l behind Soldier's Tale (9-4) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Fayr Jag (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Blind left on when stalls opened, went badly right, not recover, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Confuchias (9-0) at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
Fonthill Road (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Mid-division, headway when not clear run 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Song of Passion (8-8) at Chester 7f stk (2) sft.
Drayton (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Keen, soon led, headed over 1f out, 11th of 18, 4 1/2l behind Sakhee's Secret (8-13) at Newmarket 6f Grp 1 (1) gf.
Sonny Red (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, effort 2f out, not quicken, 6th of 15, 7l behind Tariq (9-1) at Ascot 7f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
