took keen hold, chased clear leader, ridden, carried head on side and hung right 2f out, soon no impression
steadied start, took keen hold in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
raced in 3rd, effort going well over 1f out, led final furlong, soon ridden, headed and not quicken inside final furlong
led and soon clear, pushed along over 2f out, headed final furlong, kept on same pace
held up in 4th, ridden and effort 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on strongly
A battle of the giants, Hawk Wing and Rock Of Gibraltar representing the best of the three-year-olds, with Best Of The Bests, Noverre and Tillerman, flying the flag for the older horses. With a likely strong pace Tillerman will have the race run to suit, but he does need to improve again to land this, although he will love the fast ground. Noverre has been somewhat disappointing this year and has something to prove now, even though he is the choice of Frankie Dettori, while stablemate Best Of The Bests, who is reportedly going to make the running, likely to be partnered by Jamie Spencer. The latter will not be bothered by the drop back to this trip and could be difficult to pass in the short Ascot straight. Rock Of Gibraltar has carried all before him this year, but the likely fast ground here may find him out. He has little in hand of Hawk Wing on Guineas running and the latter is taken to turn around that form with no likelyhood of any draw bias. The filly Gossamer will not like the fast ground and can be safely passed over, while Where Or When, so unlucky behind Tillerman in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood, should run well without being quite good enough to win.
