behind in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression on leaders, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders to 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened
steadied start, held up in rear, headway and effort over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd near finish
led narrowly 1f, stayed pressing winner, every chance over 1f out, not quicken final furlong
led after 1f, shaken up 2f out, ran on strongly when driven over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong
chased leaders on outside, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra, one pace inside final furlong
behind in touch, ridden 2f out, not pace to challenge over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reached leaders
It was hard not to be impressed with Saxford last time but Cerito is given the opportunity to redeem his reputation. In fairness to the Channon colt there wasn't much disgrace in being beaten under six lengths behind South Central in the Norfolk Stakes. He showed plenty of speed there and at Bath on debut and can make the most of this drop in grade. Shampagne, Baycat and Dabbers Chief are others bidding to redeem their reputations after flopping at the Royal meeting but Saucy Brown emerged with plenty of credit having finished a close up fifth in the Windsor Castle and is rated a big threat. Saxford has earned his place in the line-up but will find this tougher as will Sun Ship and Oasis Breeze. Knavesmire is already a winner in this grade having sprung a surprise in the Hilary Needler but there was no fluke about the effort and the form looks okay. She could go well but Mick Channon and Richard Hannon have dominated this race; we expect them to provide the winner again and marginally prefer Cerito.
Shampagne 20-1 (9-1) Prominent on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 18, 12l behind Art Connoisseur (9-1) at Royal Ascot 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Cerito 6-1 (9-1) Chased winner to over 1f out, no extra, weakened final furlong, 6th of 11, 5l behind South Central (9-1) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Dabbers Chief (USA) 14-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden 2f out, soon beaten, 20th of 25, 15l behind Flashmans Papers (9-3) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Jun.
Saucy Brown (IRE) 11-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride, took keen hold early, held up in rear, switched right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 25, 4 1/2l behind Flashmans Papers (9-3) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Jun.
Saxford 7-1 (9-5) Made all, driven clear over 1f out, ridden out, easily, won at Newcastle 6f nov stk (5) gs in Jun beating Raise All In (8-7) by 7l, 6 ran.
Sun Ship (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened rapidly, 9th of 11, 8l behind South Central (9-1) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Oasis Breeze 28-1 (9-0) Held up in touch, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead close home, won at Leicester 6f 2yo mdn fll (4) gf in Jun beating Predict (9-0) by a hd, 10 ran.
Baycat (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, weakened quickly over 1f out, last of 11, 12l behind South Central (9-1) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Knavesmire (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, headway approaching final furlong, driven to lead inside, kept on, won at Beverley 5f 2yo lst fll (1) gf in May beating Caranbola (8-12) by a nk, 10 ran.
