held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression
made all, ridden over 2f out, kept on
tracked winner, headway to challenge 3f out, soon ridden, one pace
held up, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
A small field goes to post for this Group 2 contest and Imperial Stride, Powerscourt and Alkaadhem are expected to fight it out at the finish with the vote going to Imperial Stride. This Indian Ridge colt has taken a while to come to hand, but he demolished his rivals with a powerful display in a Listed race at Newmarket last month. He remains unexposed and he looks like he capable of taking this step-up in class in his stride. Powerscourt is the obvious danger as he is proven performer at this level. However, he is normally at his best when the headgear is on and as it is left off today he is opposed. Alkaadhem was reported to have lost his action in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom last time. However, he has won in this grade before so he is not one to dismiss lightly. The other runner Red Lancer looks to be out of his depth and for the winner we will stick with Imperial Stride.
Alkaadhem 25-1 (9-0) Held up behind leaders, disputing 3rd and ridden straight, weakened rapidly over 2f out, eased when well beaten over 1f out, last of 7, well behind Yeats (9-0) at Epsom 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Imperial Stride 5-6fav (9-0) Chased clear leader, stayed stands' side over 7f out and led trio, led and overall leader 3f out, clear over 1f out, very easily, won at Newmarket 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Jun beating Albinus (8-11) by 17l, 4 ran.
Powerscourt 9-2 (8-9) Held up, effort over 2f out, no impression, 4th of 6, 11l behind Bandari (8-9) at York 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Red Lancer 25-1 (9-4) Behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never near leaders, 8th of 21, 9l behind Mullins Bay (9-7) at York 1m 2f hcp 0-110 (2) gd.
