tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
raced wide alone early, joined standsside trio 4f out, tracked leading pair, ridden to lead 1f out, edged right and ran on
steadied start, tracked leading pair, switched left over 1f out, ridden and kept on one pace
led, headed 3f out, ridden to lead again over 1f out, soon headed and kept on one pace
The multiple Group Race-entered ZAIDAN can justify his trainer's faith with victory ahead of Native Khan. Clive Brittain's colt made short work of his rivals in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. His break since looks to be with a strong Autumn campaign in mind and with the trip and ground in his favour he can carry his penalty to victory. Janood was the subject of good reports before battling hard for victory at Newmarket; that form looks nothing out of the ordinary but this longer trip should help draw out improvement. Native Khan's maiden win at the same track has mixed messages but it was a promising first run and although hinting at a light campaign after the win, it is intriguing that connections have him entered in a variety of top races in the coming months. Sensei rewarded backers with a strong performance at Musselburgh but he needs to improve with Richard Hughes up for the first time, and that duo rate more of a threat than Slim Shadey.
Zaidan (USA) 7-1 (9-3) Gradually came over to stand rail from outside draw, held up, smooth headway halfway, soon tracking leaders going well, led 2f out, in command over 1f out, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Royal Ascot 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Jun beating Sonning Rose (8-12) by 3l, 12 ran.
Janood (IRE) 5-4fav (9-3) Always prominent, hard driven to challenge over 1f out, soon every chance, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul beating Busker (9-3) by nk, 11 ran.
Sensei (IRE) 2-1 (8-10) Held up in touch, headway on outer to chase leader and ran green 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, hung right, stayed on well, won at Musselburgh 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jul beating Mullins Way (8-9) by 2l, 6 ran.
Slim Shadey 9-2 (9-0) Prominent, took keen hold, unable to quicken 2f out, picked up well to challenge 1f out, ran on under pressure to lead last strides, won at Ascot 6f 2yo nov stk (4) gf in Jul beating Straight Line (9-0) by shd, 6 ran.
Native Khan (FR) 14-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (2) gf in Jul beating Baransky (9-3) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
