chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, one pace approaching final furlong, no impression
held up in rear, ridden 3f out, one pace and no impression from over 1f out
soon led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened final 2f
held up in touch, chased winner over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong
led early, chased leader, led over 3f out, soon ridden, edged left over 1f out, kept on
An interesting line-up for the feature race on the card and one that might well go to Muqbil, but each of his five opponents has to be rated a danger. Much as the selection was behind Chancellor and Franklins Gardens in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in April, he was asked to make the running there but looked a very much-improved performer last time when winning a Listed race at Newbury from Vespone after a good tussle on July 17. A Flat track and good or quicker going are said to be his ideals, so the weather is, of course, a concern. However, so long as things do not get too testing, we'll stick with him to confirm the good impression he left in Berkshire. Chancellor has been disappointing since winning the Gordon Richards Stakes but this represents a drop in Grade and, if at his best, cannot be ruled out of things. Franklins Gardens was a length-and-three-quarters behind him that day on his first run since the 2003 Derby. Given that he is now receiving four pounds, he ought to go well. Checkit has solid form, is consistent and, on official ratings, has to be given a chance, while Mister Monet is certainly on an upward curve of improvement and this likeable son of Peintre Celebre should give a good account of himself today. Lateen Sails won a Group 3 event on soft going at Maisons-Laffitte last July but has been disappointing since, although he acted as pacemaker at Royal Ascot last time. As with one or two others in the line-up, if he is back to his best, he can be given a good chance but, once again, for the winner we return to Muqbil.
