in touch, headway over 3f out, every chance over 2f out, no extra final furlong
slowly into stride, soon led, headed over 2f out, rallied approaching final furlong, kept on same pace closing stages
held up in rear but in touch, effort well over 2f out, never on terms
tracked leader, driven to lead over 2f out, stayed on strongly final furlong
tracked leaders, keen hold, under pressure over 3f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
This usually goes to a well supported horse as it did last year when Hillstar was successful on soft ground. Sir Michael Stoute's charge followed up in the Grade 1 Canadian International but hasn't been in anything like that kind of form this campaign though he's been racing on faster going. Sky Hunter was a very easy winner of a Group 3 here in October and won the Dubai City Of Gold at Meydan in March though hasn't run since. The Corsican has progressed from handicaps to performing with credit at Group level and was in front of Hillstar when narrowly beaten by Dubday in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood where he didn't get the best of runs. Also engaged to run at Ayr today, EAGLE TOP looked like winning a below-par King George at Ascot before just run out of it by Postponed. John Gosden's charge hasn't had much racing for his age and with more to offer should take this Trial before heading to Longchamp.
Sky Hunter (9-0) won at Meydan 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Mar beating Sheikhzayedroad (9-0) by 1 3/4l, 0 ran.
Eagle Top 5-2fav (9-7) Held up behind, headway on outside over 2f out, soon ridden, went 2nd 1f out, upsides final 110 yards, led briefly towards finish, kept on, just held, 2nd of 7, shd behind Postponed (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 stks (1) sft in Jul.
Hillstar 5-1 (9-1) Raced keenly, led 8f out, joined 2f out, soon headed, chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 7 1/4l behind Dubday (9-1) at Goodwood 1m 4f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Jul.
The Corsican (IRE) 15-8fav (9-1) Held up in 5th, closer order in 3rd over 4f out, travelling well when not clear run on inside over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ridden and went 2nd 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Dubday (9-1) at Goodwood 1m 4f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Ooty Hill 13-8fav (8-13) In touch in 4th, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on and always well held, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Star Of Seville (8-8) at Newbury 1m 2f stks (3) gf in Apr.
Battalion (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra and lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Racing History (8-7) at Windsor 1m 2f Grp 3 stks (1) gs in Aug.
