held up in rear, pulled hard, not clear run from 2f out until 1f out, eased inside final furlong
took keen hold, led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, hung left and chased winner over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, never reached leaders, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, pulled hard, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
mid-division, headway and switched right over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
held up, raced keenly, effort on outside and hanging right over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Favourites have won the last three renewals of this race so the market could prove to be a positive guide to the outcome. We'll take COURAGEOUS to lead the likes of Art Connoisseur and Ouqba home. Brian Smart knows what's required to win this race having scored with Misu Bond in 2006 and he has high hopes that Courageous can develop into a top class performer at three. He had a tendency to race too keenly but may have relaxed with age and he would certainly have finished closer in the Racing Post Trophy on his final start but for meeting interference. Art Connoisseur has so much speed that there must be a slight doubt about his stamina on his first run beyond six and he has no easy task at the weights whilst Awinnersgame didn't prove to be an easy ride and may need a little luck on his side unless he's matured. Ouqba gained plenty of experience and his season proved to be something of a mixed bag. His yard never really hit top form last term but are firing on all cylinders now and he's interesting here as he did look very good on his day. Penny's Gift is really tough and could be a threat if she's trained on whilst Marine Boy was held in the highest regard by his stable and could be a big player if they've managed to get him back to his best. This looks a good renewal on paper and we'll be hoping that it goes the way of Courageous.
Art Connoisseur (IRE) 3-1 (9-1) Held up in mid-division, effort on wide outside 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 12, 8l behind Shaweel (8-12) at Newbury 6f 2yo stks (1) gs in Aug.
Marine Boy (IRE) 11-2 (9-1) Led narrowly, pressed from 2f out, headed inside final 2f, kept on well but no chance with leaders final furlong, 5th of 9, 4l behind Lord Shanakill (9-1) at Newbury 6f 2yo stks G2 (1) gd in Sep.
Awinnersgame (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders on stand's side, 7th after halfway, 3rd and ridden under 2f out, no extra final furlong, 6th of 18, 2 1/4l behind Soul City (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo stk gd in Sep.
Ouqba 50-1 (9-1) Always towards rear, 9th of 13, 8l behind Intense Focus (9-1) at Newmarket 7f 2yo stks G1 (1) gd in Oct.
Saxford (0-6) Made most to final furlong, kept on when headed, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Smooth Operator (8-11) at Chantilly(FR) 6f Grp 2 2yo in Oct.
Snoqualmie Girl (IRE) 9-2fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, hampered start, mid division, ridden halfway, soon struggling, eased over 1f out, 12th of 13, 26l behind Souter's Sister (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 2yo fll Grp 3 (1) gf in Oct.
Courageous (IRE) 28-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway and effort over 1f out, ridden and one pace when hampered entering final furlong, no extra, 5th of 15, 8l behind Crowded House (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2yo stks G1 (1) gd in Oct.
Penny's Gift 6-4fav (8-12) In touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo fll lst stks (1) gs in Oct beating Qalahari (8-12) by 3l, 11 ran.
Rose Diamond (IRE) 28-1 (8-11) In rear, steady headway final 2f, nearest finish, 7th of 16, 9l behind Proportional (8-11) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 2yo fll Grp 1 gs in Oct.
Wildcat Wizard (USA) 11-2 (9-4) Pulled early and held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, last of 5, 6l behind Ouqba (9-1) at Salisbury 6f 2yo stk (2) gd in Oct.
