dwelt, held up towards rear, ridden in 7th 3f out, no impression 2f out, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, headway to 6th 3f out, ridden and no extra 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, 7th halfway, headway in 3rd 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon led, headed over 1f out, no extra and kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 5th 3f out, no impression in 4th under 2f out, kept on same pace
disputed early, soon chased leaders, pushed along in 6th halfway, rear 3f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway in 2nd 3f out, ridden to lead briefly over 2f out, headed under 2f out, no extra in 3rd over 1f out, kept on same pace
soon ridden to chase leaders, disputed after 3f, 2nd halfway, ridden and weakened over 3f out
settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, headway in 3rd 2f out, pushed out to lead over 1f out, kept on strongly final furlong, comfortably
soon led, disputed after 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, no extra and weakened
This is a mouthwatering clash between SEA THE STARS and Fame And Glory and hopes have risen slightly that it will take place as a better forecast is expected and conditions continue to improve. Trainer John Oxx is going to leave his decision on whether to run Sea The Stars until as late as possible and his participation will hinge on the ground drying sufficiently. There is no question he has been the star of the show this season winning four Group 1s over varying distances whilst also handing out a beating to some quality older horses to boot. Fame And Glory has just under two lengths to find on their running in the Epsom Derby and that will be no easy task considering Sea The Stars' superiority on the day. Fame And Glory has since bolted up in the Irish Derby and arrives a fresh horse but he is taking on a rival of genuine superstar quality and could well be playing second fiddle once again. Aidan 'Brien boasts a great record in the race and saddles four other runners headed by Mastercraftsman. He looked for a fleeting moment that he might have got Sea The Stars in trouble at York in the Juddmonte International but was ultimately beaten in convincing style. His stamina over this stiff 10 furlongs on easy ground will come under the spotlight. Casual Conquest has enjoyed a decent year and can be relied on to run his race but giving seven pounds to Sea The Stars is asking a huge amount.
Casual Conquest (IRE) 8-13fav (9-11) Tracked leaders in 3rd, headway to lead 2 1/2f out, soon challenged, ridden 1 1/2f out, kept on well under pressure final furlong to assert close home, won at Curragh 1m 2f stks in Aug beating Curtain Call (9-8) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Lord Admiral (USA) 16-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, came centre over 4f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 9l behind Palavicini (8-12) at York 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) gf in Aug.
Fame And Glory 8-11fav (9-0) Settled behind leaders, moderate 5th halfway, headway in 4th 3f out, ridden into 2nd 2f out, stayed on to lead over 1f out, pulled clear final furlong, easily, won at Curragh 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 gd in Jun beating Golden Sword (9-0) by 5l, 11 ran.
Grand Ducal (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Mid-division, 7th halfway, 6th 3f out, ridden in 5th over 1f out, stayed on to challenge inside final furlong and led close home, won at Curragh 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 hvy in May beating Alaivan (9-1) by hd, 11 ran.
Loch Long (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Soon chased leaders in 5th, 6th approaching straight, soon no impression under pressure, kept on without threatening, 3rd of 10, 14l behind Alandi (9-12) at Fairyhouse 1m 6f Listed stks sft in Aug.
Mastercraftsman (IRE) 3-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, led well over 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, soon no extra, 2nd of 4, 1l behind Sea The Stars (8-11) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Aug.
Rockhampton (IRE) 125-1 (8-9) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 21l behind Conduit (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Sea The Stars (IRE) 1-4fav (8-11) Held up in touch, smooth headway well over 2f out, soon driven, ran on strongly to lead inside final furlong, impressive, won at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Aug beating Mastercraftsman (8-11) by 1l, 4 ran.
Set Sail (IRE) 125-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, effort well over 2f out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 33l behind Sea The Stars (8-11) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Aug.
