started slowly, soon ridden along, tracked leader after 3f, lost place and action over 2f out, soon in rear, virtually pulled up final furlong, tailed off
tracked leader 3f, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on one pace
held up, headway to chase leaders 2f out, soon led, headed just over 1f out, no extra, kept on one pace
prominent early, behind after 3f, headway on inside over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
held up in touch, ridden and no impression over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held in rear, plenty to do over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
led until headed well over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong
behind, in rear over 2f out, soon tailed off
towards rear, stayed on well for over 1f out, nearest finish
in touch, ridden 3f out, no headway inside final 2f, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway on outer over 1f out, led just over 1f out, driven clear inside final furlong
Despite their relatively quiet campaign so far, Godolphin actually have a good record with their elder horses this season and, as such, Spring City is expected to be hard to beat here. Pinch Of Salt and Kayak can provide stern challenges, while Basra is also and interesting one to note in the betting. The last named been a tad unlucky since he came to race in the UK after spending his formative years in Ireland with Jim Bolger. The gelding has ability at this level and can at least make the frame if he gets the breaks in running. Kayak won a hatful of races for Mike De Kock in South Africa and also has to be respected. Artificial surfaces are nothing new to the six-year-old and he is worth keeping a close to hand when the betting starts to warm up. Pinch Of Salt has enjoyed himself at this track over the last year and has shot up the ratings as a result of some sterling efforts. However, he lacks the scope held by the selection and may have to settle for a minor role. Kerrin McEvoy who teams up with Spring City, guided the colt to comfortable success at Windsor when he was last seen in action. McEvoy is safe in the knowledge that he will be teaming up with a willing partner today and this appears to be the Australian's best chance of a winner this evening.
Samarinda (USA) 16-1 (9-0) Led for 1f, tracked leader, led again 3f out, headed over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 6, 3l behind Watamu (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in May.
Kayak (SAF) (9-4) Prominent, every chance, stayed on, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Skywards (9-6) at Abu Dhabi 1m hcp gf in Mar.
Pinch of Salt (IRE) 5-1 (8-10) Started slowly, towards rear, headway over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Watamu (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in May.
Beauchamp Viceroy 16-1 (8-8) Steadied start, pulled hard towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never near leaders, 10th of 12, 13l behind Baby Strange (8-6) at Newbury 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in May.
Tropical Strait (IRE) 4-1 (8-6) Took keen hold, held up in touch, headway to lead over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Wing Express (9-10) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Spring City (GER) 1-5fav (9-3) Held up towards rear, smooth headway over 3f out, soon clear, won at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs in Jul beating Torba (8-12) by 4l, 12 ran.
Viva Vettori 9-4 (8-11) Keen, led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 22l behind Fondled (8-9) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gs in May.
Rapid City 5-1 (8-13) Held up in touch, ridden 2f out, soon outpaced, 4th of 6, 7l behind Mujood (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Basra (IRE) 9-2 (9-4) Close up, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed near finish, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Art Man (9-0) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in May.
Mataram (USA) 3-1 (9-3) Pulled hard in rear, ridden 3f out, kept on not reach leaders, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Art Man (9-0) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in May.
Safari Sundowner (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 11th of 13, 16l behind Kavachi (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
Kaateb (IRE) 15-8fav (9-1) Held up, hampered over 3f out, headway over 1f out, squeezed through, bumped rival 1f out, soon led, headed and bumped close home, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Jeer (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
