steady start, held up rear, not clear run 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, comfortable
led until headed just over 1f out, weakened final furlong
steady start, took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out
tracked leader, effort 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, one pace
pushed along early and behind, headway and hampered on rail just over 2f out, switched left, ran on well inside final furlong to take 2nd close home
tracked leaders, led just over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
held up in touch, effort 2f out, no impression over 1f out, weakened final furlong
A wide open contest can go to Overstayed, who gets the nod over Zato and Assertive, while Saville Road is obviously respected after his eye-catching debut last month. The last named was the first ever debutante winner for Declan Daly when he got the better of more experienced rivals at Doncaster earlier in the month. That form looks solid and he is fully entitled to take his chance in this higher grade. Zato was far from disgraced in the Coventry Stakes and has the experience to figure prominently in this company. The market will be a good guide where he is concerned. Assertive is getting his act together well at present and this half-brother to Boogie Street has the speed to be effective at this trip. However, he would not want any of the predicted showers to get into the ground and it will be prudent to get an updated going report before getting involved with him. However, it may be worth chancing Overstayed at the likely odds, as yet to really show his true colours. The son of Titus Livius shaped as if he is crying out for a crack at this distance in the Norfolk Stakes two weeks ago and rates as the value call in a very tricky contest to call.
Assertive 4-1fav (9-0) Held up in touch, hampered on rail and checked after 2f, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf beating Curtail (9-0) by a nk, 16 ran.
Overstayed (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 5l behind Masta Plasta (8-12) at York 5f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf.
Saville Road 12-1 (8-13) Made all, pushed along 2f out, driven out final furlong, won at Doncaster 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf beating Critic (8-10) by 1l, 16 ran.
Wilson Star (IRE) 33-1 (8-5) Chased leader, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression when lost 2nd last stride, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sir Percy (8-6) at Salisbury 6f 2yo aut (2) gf.
Zato (IRE) 28-1 (8-12) Behind, outpaced over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no impression, 6th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Red Clubs (8-12) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf.
Mixed Blessing 11-4fav (8-2) Disputed lead, definite advantage halfway, pushed along and in command 1f out, ran on well, readily, won at Goodwood 6f 2yo mdn fll aut (4) gd beating Proxenia (8-2) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Waterline Twenty (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Always towards rear, 7th of 17, 8l behind Flashy Wings (8-10) at York 5f 2yo fll Grp 2 (1) gf.
