tracked leaders, ridden and not quicken over 1f out, ran on well under pressure towards finish
led for 2f, stayed tracking leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed 1f out, ran on, always just held
slowly into stride, always towards rear, never a factor
settled rear, ridden and headway on inside 3f out, switched left 2f out, ran on one pace final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders
held up in touch, challenged on bit 2f out, quickened to lead 1f out, driven final furlong, kept on gamely
held up in touch, weakened 3f out
held up in rear, switched left to outer over 2f out, ran on one pace inside final furlong
raced keenly, led after 2f, clear 6f out, slipped badly 5f out, driven 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened quickly
chased leaders 6f
Several of these have solid claims including Sir Michael Stoute's Sublimity, the John Dunlop-trained Big Bad Bob and David Loder's Parasol but the vote goes to Alkaadhem. The selection looked most unlucky when unable to get a run in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time and looks ready for this step up in class. Sublimity created a favourable impression when making a winning reappearance at Doncaster on the opening day of the season but failed to handle the higher grade when well held in the betfred.com Mile at Sandown subsequently. This looks more his level. Parasol ran up to his best when second to Bandari in the Huxley Stakes at Chester last time on ground that was softer than ideal. He makes more appeal than Big Bad Bob, who may just need this on his return to action. Ed Dunlop's Anani and Geoff Wragg's eight-year-old Island House are others worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Alkaadhem.
