tracked leaders, chased leader over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, soon one pace
held up towards rear, good headway from 2f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, ran on
dwelt, soon tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 1f out, kept on same pace
led 1f, remained in touch, ridden to lead briefly approaching 1f out, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, not reached leading pair
held up in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
tracked leader after 1f, ridden over 2f out, hung left and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
led after 1f, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra
steadied start, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
in touch, steadied back to mid-division 7f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, weakened 3f out, behind final 2f
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
keen in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
ROMAN REPUBLIC gets a hopeful vote, Forte Dei Marmi is better than he showed last time whilst Clerk's Choice and Class Is Class are others worthy of mention. The pace tends to be strong in this contest which has favoured the hold-up horses which should suit the likes of Clerk's Choice and Forte Dei Marmi who enjoyed contrasting fortunes at Sandown last time. The latter was a shortpriced favourite having impressed with a late swoop at Goodwood but he never got competitive at the Esher track where he would have been better suited by a stronger pace. Clerk's Choice came from off the pace to take up the lead at around the furlong marker and sustained the run all the way to the line. He's 6lbs higher but has a record of steady progression and it's only his yard's modest form that causes reservations. Class Is Class will be suited by his first run beyond a mile and has to be respected given his connections. Aqwaal drops down from Pattern company but it will be a rare feat if he can defy his welter burden and the handicapper could also account for the progressive Firebet whose breeding suggests that this trip will suit. Eastern Aria will struggle to dominate this field as he did his three opponents at Epsom whilst it's interesting to see Royston Ffrench desert the selection in favour of Takaatuf who, in turn, has been deserted by Richard Hills. Takaatuf doesn't appear to have any room for manoeuvre from his current mark which could also be applied to Barwell Bridge although he should be ideally suited by the run of the race and could yet get into the shake-up. Lasso The Moon should also enjoy a decent tempo and has place claims as do Changing The Guard and Union Island who are closely matched on their York form. Mister Dee Bee is a tough and progressive gelding but he has raced prominently thus far and could have too much use made of him and this is significantly tougher than the races he's been winning. High Severa has the potential to improve for this stiffer test but he's another that has done his racing near the pace and that counts against him. It remains to be seen what tactics are employed by Roman Republic as the decision to come from off the pace at Sandown was forced on him by the draw. It appeared to suit him well though as should this step up in trip given the way that he was making ground up the hill and his breeding supports that. Roman Republic gets the vote.
Aqwaal (IRE) 6-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, switched left to outside and driven 2f out, soon one pace, no impression on leaders, 5th of 12, 7l behind Father Time (8-12) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun.
Firebet (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway to chase leaders over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun beating Tiger Reigns (7-13) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Roman Republic (FR) 6-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, in rear, pushed along 3f out, headway on wide outside inside final 2f, stayed on final furlong, never a danger, 6th of 16, 5l behind Acrostic (9-0) at Sandown 1m hcap (2) gd.
Mister Dee Bee (IRE) 11-4 (9-7) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, rallied over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun beating Pride Of Kings (9-3) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Class Is Class (IRE) 15-8 (8-9) Keen, chased leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, edged right and ran on final furlong, won at Yarmouth 1m mdn stks (5) gd in May beating Espiritu (9-0) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Changing The Guard 12-1 (8-10) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, driven and stayed on under pressure to lead well inside final fulrong, won at York 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun beating Union Island (8-13) by hd, 11 ran.
Eastern Aria (UAE) 6-5fav (9-2) Made all, quickened clear 2f out, comfortably, won at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf beating Barliffey (9-6) by 7l, 4 ran.
Takaatuf (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased when no chance inside final furlong, 13th of 19, 10l behind Cosmic Sun (7-12) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Aurorian (IRE) 40-1 (8-6) Tracked leaders stands side to 4f out, weakened from 3f out, 27th of 30, 22l behind Fareer (8-10) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Emirates Roadshow (USA) 16-1 (8-1) Raced stands side, led, joined 5f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 30, 4 1/2l behind Fareer (8-10) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Union Island (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden and edged left when headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, hd behind Changing The Guard (8-10) at York 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.
Clerk's Choice (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) In touch, ridden to lead 1f out, gradually drew clear, edged right inside final furlong, won at Sandown 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun beating Dancourt (8-3) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Lasso The Moon 12-1 (7-12) Slowly into stride, very keen in rear, always struggling, never a factor, 17th of 19, 18l behind Cosmic Sun (7-12) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
High Severa (IRE) 22-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, one pace final 2f, 5th of 9, 6l behind Firebet (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Jun.
Barwell Bridge 12-1 (8-5) Pressed leader, led 2f out, headed just over 1f out, no chance with winner inside final furlong, kept on, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 19, 1 1/2l behind Cosmic Sun (7-12) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Forte Dei Marmi 13-8fav (9-0) Started slowly, behind, headway 2f out, never troubled leaders over 1f out, 7th of 12, 11l behind Clerk's Choice (8-10) at Sandown 1m 1f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun.
