tracked leader centre group, merged to main group over 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, edged right, ran on
raced in main group, led and overall leader, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced in main group, keen hold tracking leaders, not clear run from well over 1f out, soon hampered and eased
chased leaders in main group, effort over 2f out, soon one pace
held up in 3rd in centre group, merged to main group over 3f out, effort 2f out, soon no impression
raced in main group, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, edged right, stayed on, never able to challenge
raced in main group, prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong
stumbled start, raced in main group, held up in touch, effort and not clear run over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, kept on
led centre trio, merged to main group over 3f out, overall leader over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, stayed on well
It's a shame that some of the bigger guns who were initially entered don't turn up to the party and in this smallish field we will side with the Group One-winning BUSHRANGER ahead of Finjaan and Gallagher. A winner of the Prix Morny at Deauville when last seen in August, the Danetime colt bounced back from a heavy defeat at the Curragh. On his previous jaunt to this isle he was only beaten by half a length in the Windsor Castle and it seems that the extra furlong has been the making of him; he looks worth a bet. Gallagher was in second place over in France and is a talented juvenile but connections may have been hoping that Bushranger wouldn¿t show for the gunfight, whilst Huntdown is a progressive colt who deserves his step up in class today. Finjaan has been given two months off since winning the Molecomb at Goodwood and he looks sure to run well, with this extra furlong likely to be no problem certainly on breeding. Prolific holds Gallagher on their Richmond clash a couple of months back and is another for consideration, however this looks a good opportunity for Bushranger to excel once again.
Bushranger (IRE) 9-2fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, closed up over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, driven to lead 150yds out, all out, won at Deauville 6f Grp 1 (1) gs in Aug beating Gallagher (9-0) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Classic Blade (IRE) (9-0) Pressed leaders 4f, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 14l behind Bushranger (9-0) at Deauville 6f Grp 1 (1) gs in Aug.
Finjaan 5-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, going well 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven, kept on well, won at Goodwood 5f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jul beating Bonnie Charlie (9-0) by a hd, 11 ran.
Gallagher 11-8fav (9-1) Held up, headway over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Lord Shanakill (9-1) at Newbury 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Galpin Junior (USA) 8-15fav (9-3) Prominent, led 3f out, ridden and ran on final furlong, comfortably, won at Folkestone 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug beating Secret Society (9-3) by 2l, 10 ran.
Huntdown (USA) 3-10fav (9-3) Chased leaders, led 2f out, clear final furlong, easily, won at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Sept beating All About You (9-3) by 7l, 10 ran.
Jobe (USA) 8-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, disputed lead halfway, led over 2f out, headed inside final 2f, no extra, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Shaweel (8-12) at Newbury 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Aug.
Prolific (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Always prominent, ridden to take narrow advantage just inside final furlong, battled on gamely, all out, won at Goodwood 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Aug beating Gallagher (9-0) by a nk, 12 ran.
Sayif (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) With leader, ridden to lead inside final 2f, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Lord Shanakill (9-1) at Newbury 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
