chased leaders, brought wide of main group over 4f out until 3f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up, smooth headway from 4f out, edged left and driven to lead over 1f out, ran on well
led 1f, tracked leaders, led 3f out until 2f out, weakened 1f out
led after 1f, headed 4f out, weakened well over 2f out
mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
chased leader after 1f, led 4f out to 3f out, soon weakened
held up, pushed along 4f out, headway on inside over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on to go 2nd well inside final furlong, not trouble winner
took keen hold in touch, lost place after 3f, no danger after
held up towards rear, weakened over 2f out
held up, not clear run well over 2f out, switched right 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders
held up in touch, driven to press leaders over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Bago can land the feature of the day ahead of Grey Swallow, Azamour and Ace. Jonathan Pease's Arc winner should be an attractive price on Saturday given a couple of below par efforts but the trainer was bullish in the media this week, suggesting that any apparent physical problems have been ironed out and that his charge comes here in prime condition. Bago does have to reverse form with Grey Swallow based on their meeting in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh. However, Grey Swallow's efforts away from home soil have been very disappointing and while it is not out of the question that he has improved, he still has to prove himself at top level when raced outside of Ireland. The fast ground may also be against him on this occasion. Azamour finished fourth in The Curragh contest. He then went on to beat Ace in the Prince of Wales' stakes at York. A likeable individual, he is now being asked to travel two furlongs further than he ever has done in public. The aforementioned Ace is Ballydoyle's super-sub to Yeats. A full brother to high class Hawkeye, who did not stay twelve furlongs, this has not stopped the tide of confidence from over the Irish Sea. Eswarah is very much the dark horse in the field. Connections have stated that she has improved greatly since her Oaks win. She is in receipt of all the allowances but if the handicapper has got it right by allocating her a mark of 117 - she does have to find a few pounds with the top horses. Globe-trotting Phoenix Reach should have few problems with the trip. The winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic finished second in the Singapore International on ground that was too soft for him and can take a hand on his more favoured ground should any of the principals fluff their lines. Gamut won a Group 2 at Newmarket under a positive ride from Kieren Fallon. He was fourth in last years renewal and connections will be hoping for overnight rain in order to see him at his best. Doyen won last year's King George so it is almost inconceivable that the bookies are offering 20/1 and bigger about him on Saturday. An inspection of this year's form suggests the reason why. He has been most disappointing and has been a symbolic talisman of the current predicament of the fortunes of Godolphin's operation. The Godolphin team have had a fantastic run in this race with the likes of Swain and Daylami but Doyen will need the mother and father of all training performances to land this. Policy Maker is held by Gamut on a meeting at Saint-Cloud while Mubtaker, Warrsan and Norse Dancer are all fine horses in their own right but appear outclassed at this level. A good renewal of the contest and one that can go to Bago.
Ace (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Soon tracking leaders, driven to lead over 1f out, hard ridden and headed well inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Azamour (9-0) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Azamour (IRE) 11-8fav (9-0) Held up, headway, raced centre over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating Ace (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Bago (FR) 5-4fav (9-2) Held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, switched right and progress 2f out, never nearer, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Alkaased (9-2) at Saint-Cloud 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jun.
Doyen (IRE) 13-8fav (8-9) Held up in touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 14l behind Bandari (8-9) at York 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Gamut (IRE) 2-1 (9-2) Made all, 4l clear over 1m out, quickened pace 4f out, ridden clear final furlong, unchallenged, won at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gs beating Day Flight (9-2) by 8l, 5 ran.
Grey Swallow (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Settled 4th, 3rd 4f out, improved into 2nd 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Curragh 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gs in May beating Bago (9-0) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Mubtaker (USA) 7-2 (9-1) Tracked winner, unable to quicken 2f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, just held on for 3rd, 3rd of 5, 2l behind New Morning (8-7) at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gf in May.
Norse Dancer (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Held up, effort, raced centre over 3f out, soon driven along, no impression from 2f out, 6th of 8, 21l behind Azamour (9-0) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Phoenix Reach (IRE) (9-0) Ridden to lead over 1f out, no extra when headed near finish, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Mummify (9-0) at Kranji 1m 2f Grp 1 sft in May.
Policy Maker (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Prominent early, ridden over 1f out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Alkaased (9-2) at Saint-Cloud 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jun.
Warrsan (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, lost place 5f out, raced centre over 3f out, no impression from over 2f out, 5th of 8, 16l behind Azamour (9-0) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Eswarah 11-4jt-fav (9-0) Held up, good headway to lead over 2f out, ran on strongly final furlong, gamely, won at Epsom 1m 4f fll stks Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun beating Something Exciting (9-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
