held up last, pushed along from 4f out, headway over 1f out, edged left and stayed on inside final furlong but never quite able to challenge
slowly into stride, held up in 5th, headway on outside over 2f out, driven and weakened over 1f out, beaten when wandered inside final furlong
took keen hold, led, strongly pressed from 4f out, narrowly headed 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, challenged from 4f out, led narrowly 2f out, driven and kept on well until headed well inside final furlong
raced in 4th, closed on outer over 2f out, chased leader inside final 2f, driven and stayed on gamely to lead well inside final furlong
raced in 3rd, driven to challenge over 2f out, faded final furlong
An intriguing race despite the fact that Papal Bull and possibly Soapy Danger are the only two who realistically may head to Longchamp and our vote this afternoon goes to Papal Bull, with Salford Mill capable of better now upped in trip again. Sir Michael Stoute's enigmatic son of Montjeu comes here on the back of two Group wins and whilst that means that he has to give at least 5lb to all his rivals, it also means that he comes here in top form and on ground that he revels on, he is fancied to score. Soapy Danger is an interesting contender; he has been off the track for over a year but was an outstanding prospect as a three-year-old, a real battler, and if returning match fit he could be a danger although a return to further may be in the offing. Salford Mill disappointed last time out and shaped as if this trip is more suitable, although in truth he wasn't given the best of rides that day. Halicarnassus is adept on quick ground but just lacks the final push over this trip, whilst Bauer is promising but at the moment he is really just a handicapper. Admiral's Cruise completes the field but has something to prove having finished tailed off behind Papal Bull last time, and so it is the last-named that we return to for the winner.
Papal Bull 6-4fav (9-7) Settled in last, ridden over 4f out, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, readily, won at Newbury 1m 5f Grp 3 (1) gd in Aug beating Shahin (9-3) by 4l, 5 ran.
Admiral's Cruise (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 9th of 12, 21l behind Papal Bull (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
Bauer (IRE) 11-8fav (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Chester 1m 5f lst hcp (1) gf beating Lundy's Lane (9-5) by 2l, 10 ran.
Soapy Danger 4-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Youmzain (8-12) at York 1m 4f 3yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Aug '06.
Halicarnassus (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Held up, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 5th of 6, 1 1/2l behind Stotsfold (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gf.
Salford Mill (IRE) 11-4 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden, headway over 2f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Kirklees (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 2f stk (2) gf.
