raced in 4th, headway on outside 4f out, weakened over 2f out, virtually pulled up final furlong
reluctant to load stalls, chased leader, ridden 3f out, readily outpaced final 2f
tracked leaders in 3rd, effort from 3f out, led 2f out, pushed out firmly and in command final furlong, easily
reluctant to load stalls, led, ridden 3f out, soon driven, headed 2f out, no chance with easy winner and lost 2nd inside final furlong
held up last, effort on inside rail and hung right final 2f, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with easy winner
While this 9f trip is likely to be on the sharp side for Sixties Icon, his class should see him overcome the challenge of Blue Ksar and Spice Route. Jeremy Nosedas' charge was set a stiff task on his seasonal debut in the Jockey Club Stakes behind the top class Getaway, where he travelled well but ultimetely could not match the winners turn of foot. The winner of the 2006 St.Leger, injury has blighted his career since and while the trip is the concern, he is taken to overcome that negative. Blue Ksar holds a very impressive career record but has fallen short when tested at the top level. Another worry would be his apparent preference for an easier surface with all of his winning on ground no quicker than good. Spice Route has been set stiff tasks by connections of late and while performing credibly, he falls short of the standard.
Blue Ksar (FR) 3-1fav (9-3) Headway from 3f out, effort over 1f out, challenging winner when hung right inside final furlong, not run on, eased final strides and lost second place, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Windsor Knot (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Ballinteni 7-2 (9-3) Held up behind leaders, ridden along over 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gd beating Jewelled Dagger (9-3) by 1l, 10 ran.
Sixties Icon 7-2 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon headed, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Getaway (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf.
Spice Route 8-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, closed 3f out, hung left and not pace to challenge in final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Championship Point (9-0) at Chester 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gf.
Sweet Lilly 6-4fav (9-7) Took keen hold tracking leaders, hanging and not look keen over 1f out, kept on reluctantly to take 3rd final 100 yards, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Enforce (9-4) at Goodwood 1m lst fll stk (1) gs.