took keen hold, held up in touch, 6th straight pushed along 3f out, soon hanging left, no impression on leaders final 2f
held up in last pair, 7th straight driven and beaten when edged left final 2f
slowly into stride, soon recovered to track leader, 2nd straight pushed along 3f out, hard driven over 1f out, disputing lead entering final furlong, not pace of winner final 100 yards
took keen hold, tracked leading trio, 4th straight pushed along 3f out, one pace and no impression when bumped approaching 2f out
held up in last pair, 7th straight good headway on outside from 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, shaken up and quickened to lead inside final furlong, ran on well
held up in touch, 5th straight effort 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, never reached leaders, weakened final 100 yards
tracked leaders in 3rd, not clear run from 2f out until approaching final furlong, kept on one pace after
took keen hold, led, pushed along from 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed and not quickened inside final furlong, stayed on
CONFRONT looks capable of making a successful step up in grade with Hatta Fort, Vitznau and General Eliott possible challengers for minor honours. It looked significant that the connections of the Nayef gelding had opted to keep him in training despite the fact that he had only made it to the racecourse four times in two seasons. He showed just why they had persevered with a commanding display under topweight in a handicap which may not have been as competitive as the numbers suggested. A different track and the bounce factor are concerns as is the possibility of a tactical race given that he came under pressure at Newmarket some way from home only to power clear when meeting the rising ground. General Eliott battled bravely to get the better of Perfect Stride at Ascot and is respected despite the runner-up failing to boost the form at Goodwood where he may not have handled the track. It's interesting to see the Cole runner with blinkers given that he didn't appear to lack resolution and he's worth another try at this level. Hatta Fort's pedigree suggests that he'll stay this far but his only run over a mile came at Belmont some twelve starts ago but he is related to a mile winner and was staying on strongly over six at York. A penalty makes his life harder as it does for Lovelace who didn't run badly at York and may be suited if this turns into a tactical test of speed rather than one of stamina. Mac Love ran a blinder at Goodwood but it's difficult to envisage him playing more than a minor role, Without A Prayer is essentially opposable as is Vitznau who is better over shorter but Richard Hughes knows him well and is back on for the first time in eight starts and he has place claims but we don't want to take on Confront.
Lovelace 12-1 (9-7) Held up, headway on inner over 2f out and not clear run, again not clear run over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Yamal (9-1) at York 1m (1) gd in May.
Hatta Fort 16-1 (9-7) Held up, stayed on from over 1f out, 6th of 16, 3l behind Utmost Respect (9-7) at York 6f stks (1) gf in May.
Confront 8-1 (9-10) Raced stands side, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden from over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, won going away, won at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gf in May beating Viva Vettori (8-6) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
General Eliott (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Tracked leading pair, pushed along 2f out, soon driven, led 1f out, strongly pressed throughout final furlong, held on gamely, won at Ascot 1m Listed stks (1) gf in Apr beating Perfect Stride (9-0) by ns, 5 ran.
Mac Love 50-1 (9-8) Held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, strong challenge inside final furlong, no extra near finish, 4th of 8, 1/2l behind Premio Loco (9-8) at Goodwood 1m Listed stks (1) gd in May.
Vitznau (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Behind, outpaced over 2f out, never able to challenge, 7th of 9, 13l behind Beacon Lodge (9-7) at Haydock 7f Listed stks (1) gd in May.
Without A Prayer (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Keen, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach leaders, 5th of 12, 4l behind Scintillo (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f Group 3 (1) pol in Mar.
Deposer (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Led, ridden over 2f out, driven and kept on until headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home, 4th of 7, 1/2l behind South Easter (8-12) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in May.
