mid-division, headway approaching 2f out, ridden to chase winner 1f out, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up, improved 6f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
led, soon clear, 15 lenghts clear at halfway, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt badly, always last, detached from halfway
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased clear leader, led on bit over 2f out, shaken up entering final furlong, edged left, readily
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong
Hawridge Prince won this race last year however he doesn't come here in the same form and so is passed over in favour of Distinction with Balkan Knight making it to the shortlist. Sir Michael Stoute's gelding comes here on the back of a dead-heat at Ascot. Now eight-years-old, he doesn't look the force of a few years ago but with ground conditions to suit and a visor on for the first time, he is fancied to land the eighth win of his career. Balkan Knight stays very well but never really got into contention when taking a trip to Longchamp last time. Now back on home soil David Elsworth's reliable seven-year-old should go well. Royal And Regal is an interesting contender as he represents the great Andre Fabre. His runners always warrant respect when making the jaunt across the Channel, and his progressive son of Sadler's Wells must not be overlooked. At a price Under The Rainbow could go well although her strike-rate doesn't exactly inspire confidence, however it is Distinction who can win again.
Balkan Knight 12-1 (9-2) Held up in last, headway over 1f out, disputing 3rd final furlong, kept on, 4th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Le Miracle (9-2) at Longchamp 2m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs.
Distinction (IRE) 13-8fav (9-3) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, soon hung right, hard pressed 1f out, driven out, joined on line, won at Ascot 2m lst stk (1) gs in Sept deadheating with Solent (9-3), 7 ran.
Hawridge Prince 11-2 (9-3) In rear, headway on inside rail and effort over 2f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 7l behind dhtrs Solent (9-3) & Distinction (9-3) at Ascot 2m lst stk (1) gs in Sept.
Invasian (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Led until 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 9th of 15, 11l behind Malt Or Mash (9-2) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Tobaro (GER) Acambaro gelding out of Top Girl.
Under The Rainbow 8-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Brisk Breeze (8-9) at Ascot 1m 4f lst fll stk (1) gs in Sept.
Royal And Regal (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, led 8f out to over 2f out, led again over 1f out to 150yds out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Coastal Path (9-2) at Longchamp 1m 7f Grp 2 (1) sft.
Veenwouden 100-1 (8-9) In rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on to take 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Lion Sands (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 6f 3yo lst stk (1) gd.
Colinca's Lad (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 24l behind Motafarred (9-5) at Leicester 1m hcp 0-75 (5) frm in Aug.
Souvenance (9-4) Made virtually all, ran wide first turn, 3 lengths clear 1f out, ridden out, won at Cologne 1m 4f gd in Sept beating Rinconada (9-4) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
