slow away, soon led, headed 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up in rear, smooth headway over 5f out, led over 3f out, soon clear, readily
held up, ridden to chase winner over 3f out, kept on, no impression
took keen hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd halfway, led 4f out, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened
This should really be an exercise canter for Gironde, who cannot be opposed, with Rigonza perhaps the one for the forecast. The odds won't be pretty about Sir Michael Stoute's colt, who has going up for two stones in hand on the other quartet. Well beaten at Royal Ascot on his penultimate start, he stayed on well with cut in the ground last time at Windsor, and a repeat of that effort would be comfortably good enough. He has the visor on for the first time here just to keep his mind on the job and it will be a big surprise if he is beaten. Though nothing makes appeal as serious opposition to the selection, the one for the forecast looks to be Rigonza. Tim Easterby's gelding is rated clear of the remainder, and though he hasn't exactly sparkled on softer ground of late, he merely has to run up to his ability to claim second prize. No question about the selection here though, which is Gironde.