held up, effort on rail 2f out, one pace, driven and no impression when hung right over 1f out
tracked leader, pushed along 3f out, driven and lost 2nd 2f out, soon outpaced
reluctant and led to post, reluctant to load stalls, chased leaders in 3rd, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten and eased, tailed off
tracked leaders, switched right inside final 3f, tracked leader going well 2f out, led inside final furlong, ridden out and stayed on well
led, brought field to stand rail straight, pushed along 3f out, strongly pressed 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
A chance is taken that DUFF will be suited by the way the race unfolds and he can deliver the sucker punch to sink the admirable veteran Welsh Emperor in this intriguing little contest. Royal Vintage - a Grade 2 winner in South Africa - helps spice up the international mix, while the three-year-old Sharp Nephew should not be underestimated from the home contingent. The last named has not been seen since he won a Listed race on the All Weather at Lingfield back in April. He has always been highly regarded by his trainer, Brian Meehan, and this fellow should be followed with interest during the autumn campaign. Royal Vintage could easily be the fly in the ointment and, even though his form is not easy to assess for his British debut, he has to be one of the most noteworthy contenders of the day. The betting market will give the best indication about expectations from him today. Welsh Emperor is as tough as they come and is sure to make this a really good test if he runs his usual race. However, quite whether he can still resist all comers at this level is debatable and he will be a sitting duck in the closing stages. Duff also likes to make the running and, as his legs are still that touch fresher than a few of the rest, the Irish raider is taken as the one to be on today. Edward Lynam's charge returned to winning ways in a Listed race at Cork last month and, as he has the ability to take this step up in class in his stride, he gets the speculative nod of approval on this occasion. (Tony Whitfield)
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 3-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride and behind, ridden along halfway, never dangerous, last of 4, 13l behind Choose Your Moment (8-7) at Pontefract 1m lst stk (1) gf in Jul.
Beaver Patrol (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Pressed leader, every chance 2f out, no chance with winner over 1f out, stayed on stoutly final furlong, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gs in Aug.
Excusez Moi (USA) 25-1 (9-3) Steadied start, settled rear, always behind, outpaced final 2f, 8th of 9, 18l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gs in Aug.
Express Wish 4-1fav (9-7) With leaders, edged right under pressure and weakened over 1f out, 11th of 19, 6l behind Pearly Wey (9-10) at Goodwood 6f hcap (2) gf in Aug.
Welsh Emperor (IRE) 17-2 (9-3) Led until headed 2f out, gradually weakened, 6th of 9, 15l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gs in Aug.
Duff (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Made all, ridden and clear 2f out, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Cork 1m lst stk gs in Aug beating Mr Medici (9-1) by a shd, 11 ran.
Royal Vintage (SAF) 5-2 (9-4) Every chance, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Honour Devil (9-4) at Nad Al Sheba 1m 1f Grp 2 (1) std in Mar.
Hitchens (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Started slowly, raced down side, towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer, 11th of 27, 7l behind Conquest (8-9) at Goodwood 6f hcap (2) gf in Aug.
Sharp Nephew 5-2 (9-0) Steadied start, held up in touch, driven along over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo lst stk (1) pol in Apr beating Orientalist Art (9-0) by a nk, 8 ran.
