tracked leaders, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed close home, no extra
in touch, headway 3f out, every chance 2f out, hung left and no extra approaching final furlong
soon behind
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, not much room entering final furlong, stayed on strongly to lead close home
tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up in touch, pushed along over 3f out, soon outpaced
Island House won this 12 months ago and again looks the one they all have to beat despite having to give weight away to the likes of Bustan and Imperial Dancer. The last mentioned arguably has the best form of the seven runners having run High Chaparral to three-quarters of a length in the Royal Whip Stakes at The Curragh last month. However, Mick Channon's horse was probably flattered by his proximity to the winner that day and has since been well beaten in one of the Arc trials at Longchamp. Bustan has claims if fit enough after a four-month lay off but is probably best watched, while Scott's View is again likely to find at least one too good. The trio of Howards Dream, Second Wind and Sherwood Forest make very limited appeal in a race that is expected to go to Island House. Geoff Wragg's seven-year-old comes here in a similar vein of form to last year and, with ground conditions to suit, he gets the verdict to win again.
