held up, in last pair, not clear run and switched left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd close home, not reach winner
chased leading pair, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
steadied start, held up, in rear, headway on wide outside over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, kept on in closing stages but never going pace to threaten
led, on rail, headed and slightly hampered over 1f out, soon switched left and kept on under pressure but lost two places close home
tracked leaders in 4th, on rail, outpaced when not clearest of runs over 1f, kept on well in closing stages, went 3rd post
chased leader, challenged 2f out, led and hung right to rail over 1f out, driven and edged left inside final furlong, stayed on
took keen hold, soon steadied tracking leaders in 5th, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
As is the norm in classified events, there is little separating these at the weights. But RED BOX (NAP) was clear of the rest when runner-up in a Listed race at Carlisle behind Opal Tiara, rated 98, and she rates the selection on that form. Gothic Empire just manages to escape a penalty having won at Yarmouth last month while Afjaan was raised 10lb having ended last year with a victory at Wolverhampton. Taurean Star won at Ascot in May but was well beaten last time and the remainder fared no better on their latest starts and have to some improving to do if they are to figure.
Afjaan (IRE) 8-11fav (9-0) Broke smartly, tracked leader, shaken up to lead approaching final furlong, ran on, comfortable, won at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (4) pol in Nov beating Shootingsta (8-13) by 4l, 11 ran.
Gothic Empire (IRE) 6-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to challenge 2f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, driven out, very easily, won at Yarmouth 7f hcp (5) gf in Jun beating Palenville (9-5) by 8l, 9 ran.
Lincoln (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Steadied start, held up in rear, never involved, 11th of 14, 7l behind Growl (9-5) at Windsor 6f hcp (2) sft in Jun.
The Warrior (IRE) 33-1 (9-13) Raced stand side, held up, never a factor, 8th of 12, 6l behind Fawaareq (9-4) at Newmarket 1m hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Taurean Star (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) Mid-division far side, driven to chase leaders over 2f out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 9th of 28, 7 1/2l behind Defrocked (9-1) at Ascot 1m hcp stks (2) sft in Jun.
Red Box 2-1fav (9-0) Mid-division, pushed along 4f out, headway on outside chasing leaders over 2f out, ridden inside final 2f, 3rd over 1f out, driven into 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Opal Tiara (9-0) at Carlisle 7f lst fll stks (1) gf in Jun.
Yeah Baby Yeah (IRE) 50-1 (8-7) Raced centre, behind, switched towards far side rail 2f out, headway to chase leaders inside final 2f, weakened final furlong, 13th of 21, 12 1/4l behind Persuasive (8-9) at Ascot 1m hcp lst fll (1) sft in Jun.
