made all, ridden 1f out, ran on, unchallenged
slowly into stride, outpaced and ridden along, some late headway, never nearer
tracked winner until inside final furlong, no extra and lost 2 places
went right start, held up, ridden 2f out, some late headway, never nearer
in touch, effort 2f out, kept on to go 3rd inside final furlong
pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong
held up, switched right over 2f out, ridden and no impression
steadied start, raced wide, held up, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Mon Cadeaux is likely capable of better than we've seen but SHAKESPEAREAN gets the vote to land this Listed contest, with Kaptain Kirkup and Lucky General others to consider. Formerly in the care of Mark Johnston, our pick shaped with promise behind St Nicholas Abbey on his final start as a juvenile. Prior to that he'd won well in Group Three company at Sandown before taking the Goffs Million at the Curragh and with his sights lowered connections will rightly be hopeful that their 107-rated colt can make a winning start to his three-year-old career. At these weights Lucky General comes out best and he's accordingly respected. Richard Hannon has had a fine season already and his charge has shown a liking for conditions, although it's worth noting all three wins have come over six furlongs in keeping with his speedy pedigree. With that in mind it'd be little surprise were Mon Cadeaux to emerge best of the rest. Andrew Balding's charge took third behind Society Rock on his return before finding Group One company too hot. He'll appreciate this drop in class, enjoys a fast surface, and has always been well thought of by connections. Kaptain Kirkup represents Michael Dods who has his runners in fine form, so whilst this is undeniably tougher than the handicap he won at York last time it'd be unwise to dismiss this improving sort, especially as he seemed to improve for stepping up to this distance last time. Layla's Hero has a few pounds to find at the weights and can be opposed on the grounds he's yet to prove he stays this far, with Yaa Wayl of more interest at a price. This son of Whipper only scraped home at Chester last time but on breeding seven furlongs should suit him down to the ground and with the yard remaining in such rude health he's another with claims in a wide open heat, but we prefer Shakespearean.
Shakespearean (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 8l behind St Nicholas Abbey (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2yo Grp 1 (1) gs in Oct.
Layla's Hero (IRE) 5-1fav (9-3) Reared and started slowly, outpaced and always behind, 6th of 8, 12l behind Bewitched (8-9) at Haydock 6f 3yo Listed stks (1) gs in May.
Kaptain Kirkup (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Held up mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, won at York 7f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in May beating Treadwell (9-2) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Lucky General (IRE) 4-1 (8-7) Held up in last trio, outpaced on stands' rail 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Triple Aspect (9-0) at Windsor 6f Listed stks (1) gf in May.
Mon Cadeaux 33-1 (9-2) 11th of 15, 18l behind Lope De Vega (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 3yo Grp 1 gd in May.
Yaa Wayl (IRE) 7-2fav (8-8) Tracked leaders, switched right to challenge over 1f out, soon ridden, led entering final furlong, stayed on under pressure, just held on near finish, won at Chester 1m 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gs in May beating Our Joe Mac (8-8) by ns, 12 ran.
Clairvoyance (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Alsace Lorraine (9-7) at Ascot 1m fll hcp (2) gf in May.
Curtains 1-5fav (8-10) Led after 1f, made rest, ridden and pressed over 1f out, asserted inside final furlong, won at Brighton 6f mdn stks (5) gf in Apr beating Suzy Alexander (8-10) by 2l, 3 ran.
