tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong
soon led, headed after 3f, ridden and every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up, headway and every chance over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, soon became unblanced, driven and stayed on inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, edged right and led over 1f out, driven out
prominent, led over 4f out, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, weakening when not much room over 2f out
A disappointing turn out, in terms of numbers, for the day's feature event with just the five runners declared to face the starter, however, with the exception of Iron Lad, who looks out of his depth, their is plenty of quality on show. Paul Cole's Governor Brown was probably flattered by his defeat of the highly regarded Dubai Lightning at York last time but is clearly progressing along the right lines, as is Hurricane Alan who seems ready for the step up to seven furlongs now. Aidan O'Brien's Marino Marini has done little wrong in his brief career and certainly lost no caste in defeat behind stablemate Spartacus in the Phoenix Stakes. Likely to come on for that run, the American-bred will be tough to beat but we think he will and the TEAMtalk vote goes to John Dunlop's Muqbil. The son of Swain created a favourable impression when making a winning debut at Newbury, after which the colt received plenty of interest for next season's classics. It is interesting that his handler is prepared to race the youngster again, rather than put him away until next term and with room for plenty of improvement he looks the one to be one.
