chased leaders, led over 4f out, ridden over 1f out, ran out towards finish
held up in rear, headway from 2f out, ridden to soon chase winner, one pace inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on never dangerous
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
led, headed over 4f out, remained close up, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
A high quality race for the grade features three runners rated in the eighties and we'll take City Of The Kings to emerge as the best of them. His two runs this season have been in handicaps over ten furlongs that were won by Colony and Tomintoul Flyer. This drop in trip should suit him and he ran well enough last time to suggest that he retains enough ability to win again. Billion Dollar Kid sunk without trace in the Britannia and was also well held on his seasonal return. He should benefit from this easier task and the booking of Spencer suggests that connections are hopeful of a big run; he is the best horse at the weights. King Hafhafah appears flattered by his current rating although he has twice raced in Listed company at Lingfield this term; his latest effort was his first on turf and it's possible that he'll need a longer trip in the fullness of time. Vettorenjoy and Artsu are the most interesting of the remainder and not dismissed but City Of The Kings is taken to repel all challengers.
City of The Kings (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden 4f out, stayed on, 5th of 11, 8l behind Tomintoul Flyer (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Billion Dollar Kid 66-1 (8-6) Raced far side, led that group 7f out until hung left and headed over 2f out and soon weakened, 18th of 28, 14l behind Fifteen Love (8-10) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Gainsborough's Art (IRE) 100-1 (8-11) Led centre group and well on terms, headed over 2f out, soon faded, 13th of 16, 25l behind Tazeez (9-12) at Yarmouth 1m mdn stk (5) gd in May.
King Hafhafah 50-1 (9-5) Mid-division and keen, ridden approaching 3f out, weakened 2f out, 6th of 10, 7l behind Scuffle (9-1) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Vettorenjoy 14-1 (8-9) Steadied start in rear, ridden 2f out, no impression, 8th of 10, 7l behind Mazaaya (8-11) at Great Leighs 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) pol in May.
Artsu 20-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, tracked leader to over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, 12th of 14, 10l behind Naughty Frida (9-4) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Near The Front 7-2 (8-7) Mid-division, driven halfway, headway over 2f out, kept on well final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Jal Music (8-13) at Southwell 6f 3yo clm (6) gd in May.
Una Auroraborealis 25-1 (8-4) Prominent, not much room when losing place over 2f out, soon beaten, 6th of 9, 10l behind Always Certain (9-4) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Rockfield Lodge (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Slowly into stride, keen, held up, ridden and headway well over 1f out, soon one pace, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Avertis (9-10) at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Cherished Song 33-1 (7-13) Soon led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 14l behind Bertbrand (8-13) at W'hampton 6f 3yo clm (6) pol.