held up, driven and headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to chase leaders inside final furlong, no impression
tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden and hung left when headed over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong to regain 2nd near finish
went right start, chased leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, hung left and kept on final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
behind, outpaced halfway, soon struggling, never dangerous,
slightly hampered start, held up in touch, switched left and headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and edged right inside final furlong, kept on well
behind, headway 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
mid-division, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression,
held up, ridden over 2f out, never able to challenge
led, driven 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon ridden and no extra
mid-division, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
An interesting renewal in which slight preference is for Ibn Khaldun ahead of Curtain Call, City Leader and Frozen Fire. The selection has progressed with every start this season and the beautifully bred colt is fancied to win today. He has won on varying ground, and whilst Frankie Dettori originally thought that he may not get a mile at this stage of his career, it appears that he does so he must go well. Internationaldebut didn't go on from his pleasing debut next time up but may be capable of better, whilst City Leader has shown tenacity when winning tow of his three starts. His run behind Raven's Pass even looks good despite being beaten by seven lengths, and Brian Meehan's charge must have place claims at least. Frozen Fire and King Of Rome, both sons of Montjeu, represent Aiden O'Brien and thus deserve massive respect, whilst Declaration of War must not be overlooked. Only beaten a couple of lengths behind Rio De La Plata at Longchamp, Peter Chapple-Hyam's Epsom winner will be a player assuming he gets the mile. Tajaaweed is an unknown, having won easily on debut and he could be anything, whilst River Proud beat another stablemate of Ibn Khaldun when winning at Newmarket last time. Art Master has a bit to find with the main players but shouldn't be overlooked, however Irish challenger Curtain Call could be a more eminent threat. He romped to victory at the Curragh last time but the main worry is that he may need cut in the ground to be at his best. The 2007 renewal of the Racing Post Trophy can go to Ibn Khaldun.
Art Master 9-2 (9-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, pushed clear, won at Kempton 1m 2yo stk (3) pol beating Al Muheer (8-11) by 2l, 7 ran.
City Leader (IRE) 9-1 (8-12) Always prominent, driven to lead 2f out, hung left under pressure, strongly challenged approaching final furlong, kept on well under pressure, won at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Sept beating Achill Island (8-12) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Curtain Call (FR) 9-2 (9-1) Made all, ridden clear from over 1f out, stayed on well, easily, won at Curragh 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Sept beating Domestic Fund (9-1) by 4l, 9 ran.
Declaration of War (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Disputed 2nd on outside, ridden to dispute lead over 1f out, soon headed, stayed on under pressure, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Rio de La Plata (9-0) at Longchamp 7f Grp 1 (1) gs.
Feared In Flight (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Held up, kept on under pressure from under 2f out, 7th of 19, 7l behind Luck Money (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo stk gf in Sept.
Frozen Fire (GER) 7-4fav (9-3) Mid-division, 8th into straight, soon switched to outer, 6th 1f out, ran on strongly to lead close home, comfortably, won at Gowran Park 7f 2yo mdn gs in Aug beating Wrong Number (9-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Ibn Khaldun (USA) 4-7fav (9-0) Held up, not clear run and switched right over 2f out, headway and switched left over 1f out, quickened up well to lead final 50 yards, comfortably, won at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs beating Redolent (9-0) by 1l, 8 ran.
Internationaldebut (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Prominent until ridden and weakened over 2f out, last of 13, 31l behind Boy Blue (9-3) at Ayr 7f 2yo mdn (4) sft in Sept.
King Of Rome (IRE) 4-5fav (9-3) Mid-division, 8th and headway after halfway, 4th approaching straight, improved to challenge 1 1/2f out, led over 1f out, soon ridden clear, easily, won at Tipperary 7f 2yo mdn gd beating Song In My Heart (9-3) by 6l, 16 ran.
Ridge Dance 8-1 (8-12) Behind, pushed along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 1l behind City Leader (8-12) at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Sept.
River Proud (USA) 11-4 (8-12) Keen, held up in touch, joined leader over 1f out, driven to lead near finish, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd beating Iguazu Falls (8-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Tajaaweed (USA) 3-1 (9-3) Held up behind leaders, smooth progress to lead over 1f out, soon clear, pushed out final furlong, won at Nottingham 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs beating Hyde Lea Flyer (9-3) by 5l, 12 ran.
