prominent, ridden over 2f out and 4th over 1f out, under pressure and kept on inside final furlong to go 2nd closing stages
prominent on far side, ridden 2f out and soon no impression, no extra over 1f out, eased final furlong
prominent and disputed lead, ridden 2f out and headed over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden 2f out and no impression in 5th 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong
led or disputed lead, ridden 2f out, under pressure and headed early final furlong, no impression closing stages
prominent, pushed along and no impression 2f out, ridden and no extra over 1f out, weakened
rear of mid-division, pushed along and headway to challenge under 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well
dwelt and slowly into stride, always towards rear, never a factor, ridden 2f out and no extra over 1f out
SPIRIT OF VALOR (NAP) isn't top class but has a Group 2 victory over this trip to his credit. He's performed with credit at the highest level this season without quite getting there and this looks a good opportunity. Gordon Lord Byron loves it here, having won four times on the track, and was only beaten a length behind Washington DC in the race a year ago though he'd been beaten by the selection in a previous run on the track. Smash Williams has never replicated his juvenile form though he's been consistent at a fair level all season while Speak In Colours ran well in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and has more scope than most having only run six times. Another three-year-old, Urban Beat, takes a big leap from landing a course and distance handicap on heavy going.
Gordon Lord Byron (IRE) 9-1 (9-7) Soon led, headed under 2f out, one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Fleet Review (9-0) at Curragh 6f lst stks (1) gf in Jun.
Mr Scarlet 33-1 (9-7) Waited with, 7th halfway, soon effort and kept on without matching prinicpals final furlong, 6th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Fleet Review (9-0) at Curragh 6f lst stks (1) gf in Jun.
Smash Williams (IRE) 12-1 (9-8) Soon tracked leaders, 4th 3f out, soon pushed along, one pace 1f out, 4th of 7, 2 3/4l behind Larchmont Lad (9-8) at Curragh 7f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Son Of Rest 9-4jfav (9-9) Dwelt, towards rear, pushed along 2f out, soon ridden, 4th 1f out, no extra, 4th of 8, 5 3/4l behind Dali (9-3) at Naas 5f lst stks (1) gf in Jun.
Spirit of Valor (USA) 8-1 (9-3) Prominent, pushed along over 2f out, hanging right over 1f out, not quicken final 100 yards, 6th of 12, 1 3/4l behind Sir Dancealot (9-3) at Goodwood 7f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Gorane (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) In touch, 3rd halfway, under pressure and ridden in 4th over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, dropped to 5th close home, 5th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Havana Grey (9-3) at Curragh 5f Grp 2 stks (1) gf in Jul.
Speak In Colours 25-1 (9-3) Held up centre, ridden 2f out, never a factor, 14th of 22, 6 1/2l behind Eqtidaar (9-3) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Now You're Talking (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Dwelt, towards rear, ridden and progress 1 1/2f out, 10th 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, went 5th close home, never nearer, 5th of 13, 1 1/4l behind Sometimesadiamond (9-0) at Naas 6f lst fll stks (1) gf in Jul.
Urban Beat (IRE) 8-1 (9-10) Mid-division, ridden 2f out and 6th over 1f out, under pressure and headway to lead final 100 yards, stayed on strongly close home, won at Curragh 6f hcp hvy in May beating Aurora Eclipse (9-8) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
