held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon headed, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on
tracked leaders, not much room over 2f out, switched left and not clear run over 1f out, stayed on same pace
with leader, ridden and effort well over 2f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, shaken up over 3f out, headway over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ran on well (hand timed)
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden and effort over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened final furlong
Mostashaar can return with a bang to take this Listed prize ahead of Stronghold, St Andrews and Vortex. Having been considered a touch unlucky when beaten at Chester last May, Mostashaar duly made amends in stunning fashion when slaughtering his rivals in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot at York on what was his last engagement. Sir Michael Stoute said afterwards that it would have been embarrassing had the son of Iktikhab won any easier, as he was good value for much more than the three-length margin that separated him from his rivals on the Knavesmire. This late developing sort could be a Group horse in the making this season, and the way that he has been striding out at home suggests that he is the one to beat today. Stronghold disappointed on his final outing at Doncaster for whatever reason, but had looked a progressive sort earlier, gaining victories at the likes of Haydock and Newmarket, and although needing to raise his game here, is another that will prove to be far better than a handicapper. St Andrews has already proved his case in this type of company, and this strapping sort will be fancied to go close on his reappearance, so is also on the shortlist, while Vortex has it to do giving weight away all round but is well up to this level. Kieren Fallon rides Three Wrens but Declan Daly's filly is surely tilting at windmlls, and for the winner we return to Mostashaar.
Vortex 6-1 (10-0) Held up, not clear run over 2f out, never a factor, 10th of 11, 10l behind Suggestive (9-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
St Andrews (IRE) 11-4fav (8-13) Raced stand side, led 1f, chased leader after, ridden to lead 1f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 1m lst stk (1) sft in Oct beating Violet Park (8-8) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Mostashaar (FR) 10-3fav (9-1) Always prominent, headway to lead over 2f out, soon ridden, ran on final furlong, won at York 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun beating Brecon Beacon (9-6) by 3l, 21 ran.
Royal Storm (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Raced stands side, tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 17, 3l behind Paradise Isle (8-13) at Newmarket 6f lst stk (1) gd in Apr.
Stronghold 9-2jt-fav (8-11) Held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression, 9th of 13, 10l behind My Paris (8-12) at Doncaster 1m hcp 0-110 (2) sft in Sept.
Pintle 14-1 (9-0) Tracked leader far side throughout, no chance with near side group well over 1f out, 17th of 18, 12l behind Minority Report (9-1) at Newbury 7f hcp 0-95 (4) gf in Oct.
Three Wrens (IRE) 13-2 (8-12) Held up, headway to lead 2f out, soon headed and weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Royal Alchemist (8-12) at Kempton 1m lst fll stk (1) pol in Apr.
