soon narrow leader, pushed along and headed from 2 1/2f out, dropped to last from over 1f out, no extra and eased inside final furlong
close up, a little keen, led from 2 1/2f out, strongly pressed under 2f out, soon joined, headed inside final furlong, dropped to 3rd and no extra from 50yds out
soon raced in rear, pushed along from halfway, 3rd from over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, kept on without troubling winner into 2nd from 50yds out
This has been run four times and been won by some very useful performers, including two from the UK. Richard Fahey is represented by BIRCHWOOD and he's done everything right so far. His latest victory at Newbury has been boosted by subsequent victories by the placed horses and a hat-trick beckons. Argentero made a successful debut here before beaten by Round Two when odds-on back here while the very expensive Auld Enemy made all for a convincing victory at Navan and could be anything. Air Vice Marshal cost $2.2m and is related to three useful winners including USA Grade 1 winner Contested. He has Group 1 entries and is another in the 'could be anything' category.
Argentero 9-10fav (9-7) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, led 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no impression on winner final 100 yards, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Round Two (9-3) at Naas 6f 2yo stk in May.
Auld Enemy (IRE) 13-2 (9-5) Broke well to lead, pushed along under 2f out, ridden 1f out, kept on strongly, won at Navan 5f 2yo mdn gd in May beating Black Beach (9-5) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Birchwood (IRE) 11-1 (9-5) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Newbury 6f 2yo stks (2) gd in May beating Beaverbrook (9-5) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Galway Bay (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Soon tracked leaders in 4th, a little keen, dropped to 6th and pushed along before straight, effort on outer 2f out, 3rd 1f out, no impression but kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Ard San Aer (9-6) at Leopardstown 6f 2yo mdn aut hvy in May.
Air Vice Marshal (USA) War Front colt out of Gold Vault.