settled in last, slightly adrift and ridden over 4f out, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong readily
took keen hold for 2f in 3rd, ridden over 4f out, no impression and weakened from 3f out, tailed off
held up 4th, in 3rd 1 mile out, ridden and effort 4f out, no impression final 2f, kept on, one pace
tracked leader, led 10f out, headed over 7f out, stayed with leader, led again over 4f out, no extra when headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner
led to 10f out, led again over 7f out to over 4f out, gradually lost place and weakened over 2f out
Classic Punch would be a popular winner here for David Elsworth and Jeff Smith, and he is not without a chance, but Papal Bull will be tough to beat and gets out vote, while Shahin can again go well. The selection represents the in-form Sir Michael Stoute yard and carries a penalty here for winning a Group 2 at Newmarket last time. Trip and ground suit, though if the rains come that would be a worry, but as it stands he looks the one to beat. Classic Punch is a Listed winner who will need all of the 4lb her receives from Papal Bull. He acts on fast ground but won't mind any rain and some juice in the ground would slow down the selection and help his chance. Shahin has more than two lengths to find with the selection from last time and is now 4lb better off, though strictly on the book the form should not be reversed. It's difficult to give the other trio much chance and Papal Bull gets the vote.
Papal Bull 11-1 (9-2) Mid-division, lost place 6f out, ridden, headway 2f out, soon wandered, driven, swerved badly right final furlong, soon led, ran on, won at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul beating Laverock (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Classic Punch (IRE) 10-3 (9-11) Went right start, led 10f out, headed over 5f out, led again 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Newmarket 1m 4f stk (3) gd in Jul beating New Beginning (8-3) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Land 'n Stars 40-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden well over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 15, 12l behind Allegretto (9-5) at Goodwood 2m Grp 2 (1) gd.
Shahin (USA) 25-1 (9-2) Soon led, headed over 5f out, led again over 3f out, hung left, headed inside final furlong, joined post, 2nd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Papal Bull (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
The Whistling Teal 8-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders, ridden along over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 5, 10l behind Wing Collar (9-2) at York 1m 6f lst hcp (1) hvy in Jul.
Steppe Dancer (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 10l behind Papal Bull (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
