led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, readily held by winner
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5f out, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly away, held up in last, close enough 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
held up in touch, improved on outside to go 2nd 2f out, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, ran on, readily
took keen hold, tracked leaders on inside, disputing 2nd briefly 2f out, outpaced by front pair over 1f out
pressed leader 2f, soon pushed along, weakened over 2f out
There is plenty of prize money to play for in the first race on the card and Franny Norton takes the ride on the Godolphin entry, Ashram, who has reasonable prospects but we side with LORD SHANAKILL ahead of the progressing Bow Beaver. The selection has acquitted himself reasonably in some tough contests this year including a notable third in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury behind Paco Boy. Although only twelfth last time out in the Golden Jubilee at Ascot, Henry Cecil's option has a good opportunity to return to winning ways. Ashram could be the biggest danger if finding the form that saw him win a Listed contest at Newbury last year. He was disappointing in the Criterion last month and will need to perform better in this contest to compete with the pick. Bow Beaver runs for Howard Johnson and comes here with winning form at Hamilton. However this was a much weaker race and he will have to up his game considerably to pose a challenge. We side with Lord Shanakill to pick up the win.
Dunelight (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 21st of 29, 10l behind Dandy Boy (8-13) at Ascot 7f hcp (2) gf in May.
Ashram (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Prominent, led after 2f, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out, 6th of 7, 20l behind Premio Loco (9-11) at Newmarket 7f Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
Georgebernardshaw (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Held up in 4th, ridden and headway 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind The Rectifier (8-8) at Windsor 1m Listed stks (1) gf in Jun.
Lord Shanakill (USA) 20-1 (9-4) Raced far side, prominent, led narrowly that side halfway until 2f out, stayed chasing leaders until weakened final furlong, 12th of 24, 6l behind Starspangledbanner (9-4) at Royal Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Ishiadancer 25-1 (9-1) Mid-division on far side, kept on same pace from 2f out, 8th of 25, 11l behind Invincible Ash (9-3) at Curragh 6f hcp gf in Jun.
Bow Beaver (USA) 14-1 (8-9) Raced on rail, with leader, ridden to challenge and edged right over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead last half furlong and in command, won at Hamilton 6f con stks (3) gd in May beating Mister Hughie (8-9) by 2l, 3 ran.
Redford (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Held up behind stands side, outpaced 2f out, never a factor, 19th of 27, 13l behind Laddies Poker Two (8-11) at Royal Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gf in Jun.
