held up behind leaders, progressed to go 2nd over 1f out, soon ridden, sustained challenge inside final furlong to lead post
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, strong pressed throughout final furlong, headed post
led, headed over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up behind leaders, ridden 3f out, no impression over 1f out, eased when beaten well inside final furlong
Soldier of Fortune is confidently nominated here over Metaphoric and Arabian Gulf. The selection was a cosy winner in a Group 2 race in France last time when he beat Spirit One. He is the only contender in this race to have already won in Group company and this unexposed colt should take plenty of beating. Metaphoric is another unexposed type who has created a favourable impression on both of his runs to date. This trip should be ideal for him and he will be looking to protect his unbeaten record today. Arabian Gulf looked like an improving horse when winning at Newmarket on his seasonal debut so he has to enter calculations along with Celestial Halo who hails from a yard with a good strike-rate here. This should be a good race in which Soldier of Fortune sets the standard for the rest.
Soldier of Fortune (IRE) (9-2) won at Longchamp 1m 2f Group 2 gs in Apr beating Spirit One (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Arabian Gulf 7-1 (9-3) Chased leader, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr beating Putra Square (9-3) by a nk, 13 ran.
Celestial Halo (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 8, 7l behind Regime (9-0) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Apr.
Metaphoric (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Held up, headway over 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ridden out, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (3) gf in Apr beating Regal Flush (8-10) by a nk, 12 ran.
Actodos (IRE) 8-11fav (8-6) Made all, clear with 2nd over 3f out, pushed clear over 1f out, not extended, won at Southwell 1m 4f mdn aut stk (5) fbs in Apr beating Salsadar (8-0) by 5l, 8 ran.
