led, headed over 4f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, one pace and no impression
tracked leaders, took keen hold, closed over 2f out, led 1f out, pushed out
tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, held by winner final furlong, stayed on towards finish
After finishing fourth in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, FOX TROTTER was sent off favourite for a valuable sales race at Doncaster earlier this month but blew the start and was never seen with a chance thereafter. He's better than that and compensation awaits here, though recent winners Charlie Croker and Charming Thought are unexposed and open to further improvement. Surewecan and Sunset Sail already appear to have had their limitations exposed however.
Charlie Croker (IRE) 2-1fav (9-5) Made virtually all, driven clear over 1f out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Carlisle 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug beating Shootingsta (9-5) by 4l, 12 ran.
Charming Thought 4-11fav (9-5) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, driven clear, comfortably, won at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd beating Kinematic (9-0) by 2l, 9 ran.
Fox Trotter (IRE) 7-2fav (8-6) Held up well in rear, ridden and modest headway 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 17th of 21, 13l behind Bond's Girl (8-1) at Doncaster 6f 2yo auc (2) gd.
Surewecan 14-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 7l behind Burnt Sugar (9-1) at Kempton 6f 2yo Grp 3 (1) pol.
Sunset Sail (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, driven over 1f out, ridden and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, no impression, 4th of 10, 2 3/4l behind Squats (9-1) at Ascot 5f 2yo hcp (2) gf.