led 1f, steadied, remained with leaders, ridden and led approaching final furlong, driven inside final furlong, headed post
keen, disputed lead, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
led after 1f, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong
dwelt, soon chased leaders, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
held up in rear, headway 2f out, ridden and ran on strongly inside final furlong, led post
Smokin Beau has proved himself one of the leading sprinters around and earns the TEAMtalk vote in a below average renewal of this prestigious event. John Cullinan's charge has hit a rich vein of form of late and followed a Listed success over 6f at Goodwood (Massarra behind) with a fine effort when narrowly denied over this trip in a Group 3 at Newbury last month. The five-year-old possesses speed in abundance and will take plenty of pegging back despite a 3lb penalty. Massarra was beaten just under seven lengths at Goodwood behind the selection and has little chance of reversing the form on just 1lb better terms while neither Proud Boast or the hat-trick seeking Absent Friends should be good enough on these terms. Funny Valentine has clearly had his problems having made a disappointing seasonal reappearance at Yarmouth last month and would prefer easier ground conditions.
