in touch, chased leader over 5f out, challenged leader 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader till over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear
held up in rear, ridden 5f out, soon weakened and tailed off final 3f
led, pressed from 3f olut, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
The four-year-olds hold a strong hand here and Musanid is fancied to play his part in the latest return to form of Sir Michael Stoute's string. Orange Touch still has a fair amount of scope and is selected as the biggest danger out of the rest. Collier Hill, who has a few too many miles on the clock to be giving weight away to such progressive rivals and may have to settle for a bit-part here. Remaadd is also taken to edge past Allan Swinbank¿s charge but he lacks the experience held by the selection and may be better for the experience today. Therefore, we prefer to stick with Musanid, who will appreciate the ease in grade here. The step up in trip should not be a problem for the son of Swain, who was always going to find life difficult in the Hardwicke Stakes the last time he tried a mile and a half. A literal reading of that performance may help to keep the price at an acceptable offer and, considering Stoute's master touch with older horses, Musanid is selected to gain a confidence booster on ground that suits.
