mid-division, headway when not clear run briefly 2f out, chased winner just inside final furlong, ran on and gaining towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
took keen hold, held up, came wide and ridden entering straight, never troubled leaders
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held-up, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling, behind when edged well over 1f out
chased winner, ridden when hung right well over 1f out, continued to wander and lost 2nd just inside final furlong, one pace
keen early, always in rear
made all, driven out
Somnus, Opera Cape and Misu Bond are the three to focus on here with Somnus getting the vote to make a winning seasonal re-appearance. Misu Bond took last year's Free Handicap but is winless since. A flat display at Newcastle last week fails to encourage and others are preferred. Opera Cape is another looking to return to winning ways, having not been seen since trailing in last in last year's 2,000 Guineas. He has had only that run for Godolphin, having previously been with Sylvester Kirk for whom he collected a Group Three success. Godolphin's team are going well but he is best watched after such a long lay off. Somnus has only a conditions race success at Haydock last year to his credit in the last three seasons, and he is another whose fitness you have to take on trust. He has conditions to suit and at the weights looks the best option, so Somnus is given the nod.
Fonthill Road (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Confuchias (9-0) at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
Misu Bond (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 10, 6l behind Confuchias (9-0) at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
Opera Cape 16-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out, soon eased, last of 14, 19l behind George Washington (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in May '06.
Somnus 10-1 (8-13) Short head, chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Blue Ksar (8-10) at Newmarket 1m lst stk (1) sft in Oct.
Swing The Ring (IRE) 66-1 (9-1) Towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 17l behind Rio Riva (9-5) at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Jun.
Vanderlin 9-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden and slightly outpaced over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Winged Cupid (9-4) at Windsor 1m lst stk (1) gs in Jun.
Invincible Force (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) With leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, last of 8, 17l behind Prime Defender (9-3) at Haydock 6f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May.
Song of Passion (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders far side group, squeezed out when badly hampered and nearly fell over 2f out, no chance when pulled up in race won by Binanti (8-7) at Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Jun, 25 ran.
Nayyir 4-1 (9-8) Held up, ridden over 3f out, no impression, eased when beaten inside final furlong, last of 5, 10l behind Dunelight (9-5) at Goodwood 1m lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
