tracked leader, joined stands' side group over 2f out, led briefly over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, stayed on same pace
prominent stands' side, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led in centre, headed over 2f out, soon beaten
held up, pushed along over 2f out, effort over 1f out, no impression
towards rear, never a factor
took keen hold in mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
close up, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, ridden and no extra final furlong, was eased close home
dwelt and soon pushed along, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead entering final furlong, kept on
A fascinating renewal can go to Fong's Thong, whose weight-for-age allowance and experience over a variety of trips gives him a slender edge over fellow three-year-old Pastoral Pursuits, who is a class act himself and will not make it easy for the selection. Neither will any of the old guard, whose challenge could be headed by Suggestive, who has finally recaptured his old sparkle after a few low points last season and he fully deserves another crack at a Group 2 prize. So too does Court Masterpiece, who was not disgraced in finishing fourth behind Chic (Naahay held) at Goodwood last month. Kieren Fallon renews his partnership with Ed Dunlop's charge and another bold bid looks assured if he can adapt to this smaller field. Firebreak is yet another that cannot be ruled out as his effort in the Lockinge stands out as a solid performance for a horse that was expected to have needed the run. However, he has a 4lb penalty to carry this afternoon for his win in the Godolphin Mile from March and may find the concession of so much weight to improving youngsters too much to burden at his age. Those sentiments are echoed louder when assessing Tillerman and he is also overlooked today. Therefore, with the likelihood of a fair price being on offer, we prefer to take a chance with youth against experience and give Fong's Thong the benefit of the doubt as he bids to extend his unbeaten status to three from three this season.
