dwelt, struggling halfway, soon beaten
made all, shaken up over 1f out, ran on well
slowly into stride, always behind
tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, no chance with winner
keen early, mid-division, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2 out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden halfway, stayed on, never nearer
prominent, driven to challenge over 2f out, soon every chance, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, kept on well
held up, never on terms
Guest Connections makes plenty of appeal in spite of his 5lb penalty for winning an Italian Group Three and he gets the nod as the value call, although Horatio Nelson really does look the part on paper and is worth a saver if the odds are not too cramped. Leo and Private Business are others to consider. The last named caught the eye when winning at Goodwood at the start of last month and will appreciate what give there is underfoot. He a well regarded type that should again be capable of making a bold bid. Leo also fits that profile, as he showed a great deal of improvement during his latest start. He comfortable swept Zabeel House aside and there is no reason to suspect that form will not be upheld. Quite whether a rain softened surface will suit him is debatable, though and he is one to be wary of if the heavens open. Horatio Nelson represents a formidable team and it would be folly to ignore his claims. He was very green on his debut but still won with plenty in hand at The Curragh. Being out of 1,000 Guineas winner Imagine, it is safe to assume that expectations are high for him. However, the bookmakers on course are unlikely to take any chances with him and his price may be too restricting for many. Therefore, a further play with Guest Connections is recommended. The Mick Channon-trained colt arguably has the best form on offer so far and, as his defeat of subsequent Norfolk Stakes winner proves, he is well up to at least this class of race and rates as a further solid option in a very tricky race.
Horatio Nelson (IRE) 2-1fav (9-2) Soon led, strongly pressed 2f out, driven out and ran on well final furlong, drifted left, comfortably, won at Curragh 7f 2yo mdn gf in Jun beating Heliostatic (9-2) by 1l, 12 ran.
John Terry (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, behind, pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, ridden and ran on well to lead post, won at Leicester 6f 2yo mdn (4) sft in May beating Bathwick Emma (8-9) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Leo 11-4jt-fav (9-0) Soon with leader, led halfway, ridden over 1f out, ran on, won at Doncaster 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in May beating Zabeel House (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Observatory Star (IRE) 10-3 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Live Fast (9-0) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Private Business (USA) 11-2 (9-0) Held up in mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, switched right and effort 1f out, ran on well to lead cheekily close home, won at Goodwood 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Jun beating Trans Sonic (8-11) by a nk, 13 ran.
Right Again 6-1 (9-0) Pulled hard, no room 2f out, switched right approaching final furlong, found room and quickened to lead near finish, won at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Ned Ludd (9-0) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Sir Xaar (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 3l behind Red Clubs (8-12) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Well Armed (USA) Tiznow colt, half-brother to 6f winner Formalities Aside.
Yasoodd 5-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, soon shaken up, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Ayr 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Jun beating Silent Times (9-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
Zabeel House 1-4fav (9-0) Made all, shaken up over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, easily, won at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Speciosa (8-9) by 2l, 9 ran.
