tracked leaders in 4th, driven to chase winner 2f out, bumped and lost 2nd over 1f out, soon outpaced by first 2
keen hold, tracked leaders in 3rd, switched out to chase winner over 1f out, ran on gamely to lead final 75 yards, all out
held up in rear, hung left and stayed on into moderate 4th over 1f out
held up in rear, driven and beaten 3f out
steady pace, quickened 4f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, headed final 75 yards, rallied near finish
tracked winner, ridden 3f out, lost 2nd 2f out and soon weakened
Into The Dark, Notable Guest and Frank Sonata look the three to concentrate on in this Group 3 contest and the vote is given to Into The Dark. The selection is a likeable colt who has done everything that has been asked of him so far by winning all four of his races. He has not yet been out this season so the key to his chance will be whether or not he is fit enough to do himself justice on his seasonal reappearance. However, he won well on his seasonal debut last year and on that basis we are prepared to side with him today. Notable Guest won well in this grade last time but that Group 3 contest lacked any strength in depth. There is no doubt that this colt from the Sir Michael Stoute yard is a smart type but our selection remains unexposed and may prove too good for him today. Frank Sonata is another nice sort but he may find winning a Group race beyond him and a place looks the best that he can hope for today. Compton Bolter may be the best of the remainder but he was well beaten in Listed company last time and will need to step-up on that effort to get competitive today. We will therefore return to Into The Dark who could be anything and he should take plenty of beating if he is fit enough to do himself justice today.
Notable Guest (USA) 5-1 (9-3) Held up, headway to lead over 5f out, quickened pace over 3f out, ridden and ran on final furlong, won at Haydock 1m 3f Grp 3 (1) gf in Aug beating David Junior (8-7) by 3l, 5 ran.
Compton Bolter (IRE) 7-2 (8-11) In touch, stayed stands' side over 7f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 4, 22l behind Imperial Stride (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Counsel's Opinion (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Held up last, headway 2f out, soon hung left but went 2nd approaching final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Orcadian (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Aug.
Frank Sonata 15-8fav (9-2) Chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced over 3f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Orcadian (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Aug.
Into The Dark 5-4 (8-4) Tracked leader, led on bit over 4f out, ridden clear final furlong, easily, won at Ayr 1m 3f lst stk (A1) sft beating Percussionist (8-11) by 5l, 6 ran.
Welcome Stranger 11-2 (9-0) Held up in touch, taken to stand side 3f out, pressed group leaders over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Eccentric (9-0) at Windsor 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gd in Aug.
