tracked leader, shaken up to lead 2f out, soon in command, comfortably
held up in last 4, bumped on rails 6f out, never on terms
held up in last pair, ridden over 3f out, some progress and edged right 2f out, went 4th entering final furlong
held up, ridden over 3f out, no impression
held up behind leading trio, ridden to challenge for 3rd 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leading pair, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
held up in last pair, ridden over 3f out, never on terms
led, 6 lengths clear halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, soon no chance with winner
Nonrunner
YEATS is the best of the best and whilst he has to give weight away here to previous winner Distinction, he is fancied to regain his 2006 title today. The selection hardly needs an introduction as he has ruled supreme once again this season, winning the Gold Cup at Ascot in imperious fashion last time. He seems to improve with every start and would probably be chasing a hat-trick of wins in this race had he made it to the starting line-up last year. Peppertree Lane is consistent but he lacks a touch of class, whilst Honolulu is a Ballydoyle inmate who could fill second. He could be the successor to Yeats and he showed good resolution (despite an awkward head-carriage) when beating Distinction at Ascot. Mad Rush is progressive and deserves a crack at Group races; this is too tough an introduction though surely. Visored for the first time Regal Flush and Sagara have lengths to find with Yeats. Distinction and Bulwark add more interest to the fight for the places but that's all it should be as Yeats wins again.
Yeats (IRE) 11-8fav (9-2) Mid-division, chased leaders 5f out, disputed lead over 4f out, led 2f out, pressed soon after, shaken up and drew clear final furlong, comfortably, won at Ascot 2m 4f Gold Cup (1) gf in Jun beating Geordieland (9-2) by 5l, 10 ran.
Bulwark (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, headway 3f out, stayed on over 1f out, not pace to challenge, 4th of 16, 13l behind Honolulu (9-5) at Ascot 2m 6f stk (2) gf in Jun.
Distinction (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Held up, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on steadily final furlong, led final strides, won at Sandown 2m lst stk (1) gf beating Samuel (9-3) by a shd, 7 ran.
Honolulu (IRE) 7-4fav (9-5) Held up, headway over 4f out, led over 1f out, driven out close home, won at Ascot 2m 6f stk (2) gf in Jun beating Distinction (9-7) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Regal Flush 11-1 (9-0) Towards rear, headway on inner from 3f out, kept on one pace, never nearer, 6th of 10, 12l behind Yeats (9-2) at Ascot 2m 4f Gold Cup (1) gf in Jun.
Sagara (USA) 7-2 (9-2) Chased winner, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 11l behind Lucarno (9-7) at Newmarket 1m 4f Yorks Oaks (1) gs.
Sergeant Cecil 33-1 (9-2) Held up 6th, effort 2f out, no extra over 1f out and faded inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 3l behind Finalmente (9-2) at Sandown 2m Grp 2 (1) sft in May.
Tungsten Strike (USA) 8-1 (9-0) Led after 2f, headed over 1f out, faded final furlong, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Distinction (9-3) at Sandown 2m lst stk (1) gf.
Allegretto (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Settled in rear, headway over 2f out, still plenty to do, stayed on to take 4th inside final furlong, never dangerous, 4th of 10, 11l behind Yeats (9-2) at Ascot 2m 4f Gold Cup (1) gf in Jun.
Mad Rush (USA) 5-2fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon led, in command final furlong, won at Haydock 1m 4f hcap (2) sft beating Young Mick (9-6) by 4l, 15 ran.
Peppertree Lane (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (9-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, improved to lead under 2f out, strongly pressed 1 1/2f out, headed 1f out, no extra, kept on same pace under pressure, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Profound Beauty (9-6) at Leopardstown 1m 6f lst stk gd.
