raced in 2nd well off pacemaker, closed approaching straight and led 2f out, ridden and tried to assert, headed 1f out, kept on same pace under pressure but no impression on winner
settled towards rear well off pace, closer entering straight and pushed along, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not reach first 2
settled in 4th well off pace, closer over 3f out and smooth headway early straight, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on well under pressure final furlong
settled in rear well off pace, closer approaching straight but never a factor, kept on one pace
led and soon clear, reduced advantage approaching straight and headed 2f out, soon no extra and weakened
chased pacemaker in moderate 3rd, closer and ridden approaching straight, no extra in 4th from over 1f out
Three-year-olds have a very good record in this but it's difficult to imagine this year's representatives getting the better of their elders. Born To Sea's defeat by Famous Name in the Royal Whip was a disappointment and he's unlikely to emulate his close relative Sea The Stars, who won this in 2009 while Light Heavy needs to make major progress if he's to repeat the success of Jim Bolger's New Approach in 2008. Aidan O'Brien has won five of the last seven and Daddy Long Legs is probably here to ensure a good gallop for St Nicholas Abbey. The dual Coronation Cup winner has been beaten on all three starts at this trip though there have been legitimate reasons including when seven lengths behind Frankel in the Juddmonte. Nathaniel landed the Eclipse before a brilliant effort in the King George when just touched off by Danedream with St Nicholas Abbey just over a length back in third. John Gosden's charge has only had nine races in his career and there could be more to come but it's SNOW FAIRY who gets the nod. Ed Dunlop's brilliant mare is very smart at this trip as she once again demonstrated when beating a high-class field in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville last month, her first start since capturing a Grade 1 in Japan last November. Regular pilot Ryan Moore, who is unbeaten in six rides on her, is unavailable through injury but Frankie takes over and he's ridden her previously so it's hardly likely to be a problem.
Nathaniel (IRE) 5-2 (9-7) Tracked leading trio, headway to 3rd approaching final 3f, went 2nd 2f out, soon challenging, ridden to lead over 1f out, strongly pressed and stayed on gamely under pressure final 100 yards, headed post, 2nd of 10, ns behind Danedream (9-4) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jul.
St Nicholas Abbey (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Held up tracking clear leading trio, smooth headway over 4f out, led inside final 3f, ridden and headed just over 2f out, soon no chance with impressive winner, kept on duelling for 2nd, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Frankel (9-5) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Aug.
Snow Fairy (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) won at Deauville(FR) 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Aug beating Izzi Top (8-13) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Born To Sea (IRE) 10-11fav (9-1) Chased leaders in 3rd and keen hold, ridden into 2nd 2f out, no impression winner over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 7l behind Famous Name (9-10) at Curragh 1m 2f Grp 2 (1) in Aug.
Daddy Long Legs (USA) 11-2 (8-11) Early move3w,flattened, last of 8, 13l behind Bayrir (8-9) at Arlington(USA) 1m 2f 3yo stk (1) gd in Aug.
Light Heavy (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden in 5th 3f out, 4th under 2f out, no impression, 6th of 8, 8l behind Galileo's Choice (9-9) at Leopardstown 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) gs in Aug.
