taken to post early, close up, ridden and headway over 1f out, no impression final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong
taken to post early, keen close up, switched left to track leading pair, led 2f out, edged left and ridden clear (hand timed)
led, ridden and headed halfway, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden to lead halfway, soon headed, weakened approaching final furlong
close up in rear, soon pushed along, ridden halfway, kept on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders
Battaash has undergone wind surgery since last in action and made a winning return in last year’s renewal with Kachy third and MABS CROSS not far behind in fourth. But the former found the selection too good in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in October and Michael Dods’ improving mare is taken to confirm running in this, despite the worse terms, having returned to action with a victory in the Palace House at Newmarket earlier in the month. Kachy arrives in fine form but found Battaash too good on more than one occasion last term though the leading contenders will need to be on their game today with Alpha Delphini around as the latter beat both Mabs Cross and Battaash at York last season when landing the Nunthorpe at 40/1. Caspian Prince was well beaten in the Nunthorpe and Pocket Dynamo has little chance on these terms.
Mabs Cross 6-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, headway approaching final furlong, ridden and ran on strongly to lead final strides, won at Newmarket 5f Grp 3 stks (1) gf in May beating Equilateral (9-6) by nk, 11 ran.
Alpha Delphini (9-10) 11th of 16, 3 1/2l behind Mabs Cross (9-7) at Longchamp 5f Grp 1 gs in Oct.
Battaash (IRE) (9-10) 4th of 16, 1/2l behind Mabs Cross (9-7) at Longchamp 5f Grp 1 gs in Oct.
Caspian Prince (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) With leaders, lost place 2f out, soon ridden, no impression from over 1f out, 11th of 15, 6 3/4l behind Alpha Delphini (9-11) at York 5f Grp 1 stks (1) gf in Aug.
Kachy 4-9fav (9-5) Broke extremely sharply, made all, quickened away over 2f out, ran on well, won at Lingfield 6f stks (2) pol in Apr beating George Bowen (9-5) by 3 1/4l, 11 ran.
Pocket Dynamo (USA) 12-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, effort 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Calyx (9-1) at Ascot 6f Grp 3 stks (1) gf in May.