with leader, led 2f out, ridden and ran on final furlong
raced wide, soon led narrowly, ridden and headed 2f out, soon beaten, eased final furlong
with leaders until taken back after 1f, tracked leading pair, chased winner over 1f out, ridden and unable to quicken entering final furlong, kept on one pace
Adham has a mountain to climb on official ratings though his last victory came in a three-runner event so he's no forlorn hope in a race where tactics will play a part. GRACIOUS JOHN has proved himself very smart on ground with some give, winning three of his last four including a Listed contest in France last time. He has to concede 3lb to Ornate, a close second in a Group 2 at Doncaster but disappointingly beaten when odds-on at Wolverhampton. In what should be a close contest it's the former who can come out on top.
Gracious John (IRE) 10-3 (8-12) won at Maisons-Laffitte 6f lst stks gs in Oct beating Jimmy Two Times (8-12) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Adham (IRE) 33-1 (9-1) Prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 11, 14l behind Quiet Reflection (8-12) at Newmarket 5f Grp 3 stks (1) gs in Oct.
Ornate 8-15fav (9-0) Pressed leader, led over 3f out, ridden and edged right inside final furlong, headed well inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 5, 3/4l behind Quatrieme Ami (9-0) at Wolverhampton 5f stks (2) pol in Dec.