tracked leaders, ridden along over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, driven over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post
dwelt, towards rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
always rear division
prominent, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, kept on gamely final furlong, headed post
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, effort 2f out, no impression
held up, ridden along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong
held up mid-division, effort when not much room over 1f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
The in-form Greek Renaissance is selected here ahead of Borderlescott and Knot In Wood. Much as he has to concede weight to the field, Greek Renaissance comes here at the height of his powers, having won his last two. Another bold show is expected. Advanced is six pounds better off now for the three-and-three-quarter lengths he finished behind him in a Group race at Newmarket last time so a good run is far from ruled out, and Galeota is three pounds better off for two-and-a-half lengths from the same race. Irish raider Senor Benny holds place claims, while Borderlescott is six pounds better off for three lengths based on the form of the Newmarket race won by Greek Renaissance and can be given some sort of a chance based on that. Zidane is another that is capable of going well although he is held by a number of these based on the form of the Newmarket race we keep referring to and, just for good measure, course and distance winner Knot In Wood cannot be ruled out of some money if fully on song. For the selection, though, we return to Greek Renaissance.
Greek Renaissance (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at Newmarket 6f Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct beating Beckermet (9-1) by 2l, 17 ran.
Galeota (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden over 1f out, ran on towards finish, 3rd of 17, 2 1/2l behind Greek Renaissance (9-1) at Newmarket 6f Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Rising Shadow (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, 14th of 20, 8l behind Fonthill Road (8-12) at York 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Oct.
Senor Benny (USA) 10-1 (10-2) Held up in touch, no extra from under 2f out, eased final furlong, 13th of 21, 8l behind Fonthill Road (9-9) at Curragh 6f prm hcp gs in Oct.
Advanced (8-11) Always in touch, disputed lead in centre over 3f out, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 16, 3l behind Tiza (9-0) at Maisons-Laffitte 6f Grp 3 sft.
Aegean Dancer 12-1 (8-7) Tracked leaders centre, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on, every chance inside final furlong, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Sunrise Safari (8-7) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Borderlescott 7-1 (9-1) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 17, 3l behind Greek Renaissance (9-1) at Newmarket 6f Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Commando Scott (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Prominent, ridden along halfway, edged right entering final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 22, 2l behind Tamagin (8-10) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Dhaular Dhar (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Always behind, 16th of 20, 11l behind Fonthill Road (8-12) at York 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Oct.
Knot In Wood (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, hard ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 17, 4l behind Greek Renaissance (9-1) at Newmarket 6f Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Sunrise Safari (IRE) 11-1 (8-7) Held up stand's side, headway 2f out, led group over 1f out, ridden and ran on well to lead overall inside final furlong, won at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct beating Aegean Dancer (8-7) by 1 1/2l, 17 ran.
Zidane 3-1fav (9-1) Held up, not clear run over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 11th of 17, 9l behind Greek Renaissance (9-1) at Newmarket 6f Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Wid (USA) 7-4fav (9-6) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Paco Boy (8-8) at Newmarket 6f 2yo & 3yo stk (4) gd.
Cape 16-1 (8-13) Held up, ridden 2f out, headway 1f out, unable to quicken near finish, 4th of 17, 1 1/2l behind Lady Grace (8-12) at Newmarket 6f lst fll stk (1) sft in Oct.
