held up in touch, quickened up well to lead 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ridden out
held up, headway and not clear run over 1f out, switched left, ran on inside final furlong
tracked leader, pressed leader from 3f out, veered right over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up, ridden and one pace from 2f out
held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out to chase winner, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out
led, bumped over 1f out, soon headed, weakened inside final furlong
Much will depend on whether any rain arrives for Nysean, who will not be risked on ground that is deemed to be to fast for him. That scenario will open up the way for Muqbil, who has looked the real deal at this level on occasions and is selected over old rival Vespone, who has a little to prove after finishing down the field in the Arlington Million last month. However, that may not have Frankie Dettori's best day at the office and a more patient ride will ensure that he is involved here. Pawn Broker will also be dangerous to dismiss as he has a habit of making the frame when he is on song and, as he coped with a below par challenge from Nysean at Windsor last month, is another to bear in mind as an alternative. Alkaadem is yet another that is a worthy contender at this level, as he has improved from useful handicapper to be placed in a Listed race over a mile and half last time. The first time headgear does temper the confidence a little regarding his challenge and he may be one to watch as he drops in trip today. Which brings us back to Muqbil, who ran a blinder when just touched off in this race last year. Another year has seen him return as a stronger and more alert individual and he is going to be very hard to beat in a contest that appears to have been his target for quite some time.
