led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f, one pace final furlong
held up, effort when not much room and outpaced over 2f, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f, no impression
dwelt and towards rear, ridden along halfway, stayed on towards finish
in touch, ridden over 2f, weakened over 1f
steadied at start and held up, ridden over 2f, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden along halfway, never troubled leaders
prominent, driven and every chance over 1f, kept on same pace final furlong
held up behind leaders, effort when not much room over 1f, stayed on final furlong
took keen hold in touch, ridden over 2f, soon beaten
held up, ridden along halfway, headway over 1f, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
prominent, effort over 2f, weakened over 1f
took keen hold with leaders, driven to lead over 1f, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
Plenty of guesswork but that's no excuse for not finding the winner; we have confidence in ROMAN REPUBLIC and select him ahead of Jesse James, Meyyal and Chapter And Verse. Sir Michael Stoute took this race last year with newcomer Naval Review and thus Dream Win must be considered, however Roman Republic, a fairly costly son of Cape Cross is most interesting to us. Well-fancied for his debut at Newbury, he raced too keenly before weakening in the final furlong. Dropped back to seven furlongs, he was never going to be taking up his Group One engagements but can take this easier task. Amongst the plethora of interesting and well-bred newcomers, Meyyal catches the eye as a half-brother to Mutamaasek, whilst Francis Wallingham is a half-brother to Chapter but is likely to need more time. Chapter And Verse and Striker Prophet both improved when stepped up to this trip last time so are the most interesting of the rest who have raced, however we will stick with Roman Republic.
Carrimion Lucky Owners gelding out of Cap It If You Can.
Chapter And Verse (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Dwelt, soon recovered to chase leader, driven 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, went 2nd final 50 yards, kept on, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Truism (9-3) at Goodwood 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) gf.
Dream Win Oasis Dream colt, half-brother to 2 winners including top-class middle-distance performer Quiff.
First Service (IRE) Intikhab colt, half-brother to flat and hurdles winner Soviet Sceptre and 7f winner Regal Quest.
Francis Walsingham (IRE) Invincible Spirit colt, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over hurdles.
Green Agenda 100-1 (9-3) In touch, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, no chance when eased over 1f out, 22nd of 24, 34l behind Donativum (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo aut (2) gf.
Jesse James (IRE) King's Best colt out of Julie Jalouse.
Khayar (IRE) Refuse To Bend colt out of Khatela.
Maverin (IRE) King's Best colt out of Minerva.
Meyyal (USA) War Chant colt out of Tamgeed.
Nocturnal Lad (IRE) High Chaparral colt out of Jumbo Delight.
Roman Republic (FR) 11-8fav (9-3) Chased leaders on stand rail, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 15, 7l behind Skanky Biscuit (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs.
Safari Song (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, 11th of 13, 16l behind Anthology (9-3) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs.
Striker Torres (IRE) 5-2 (9-3) In touch, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, hung left and ran on inside final furlong, 2nd towards finish, not reached winner, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Hail Promenader (9-3) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
Top Tinker 50-1 (9-3) Always behind, 16th of 20, 24l behind Shady Lady (8-12) at Redcar 1m 2yo mdn auc (6) gd.
Shy Prophet 100-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, soon pushed along, always in rear, 12th of 14, 14l behind Bravo Echo (9-0) at Leicester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd.
