reared awkward and started slowly, ran green and always towards rear, no impression final furlong
took keen hold tracking leaders, pushed along 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd close home, no impression on winner
held up in touch in centre, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, went 2nd final 100 yards, no impression when dropped to 3rd close home
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, no threat
in rear, ridden 3f out, driven over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never going pace to threaten
soon held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, never on terms
chased leading pair until lost place 3f out, outpaced soon after, stayed on again inside final furlong, no threat
soon led on rail, quickened tempo 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner, weakened and lost 2 places final 100 yards
took keen hold, tracked leader, led over 1f out, stayed on strongly and pushed clear inside final furlong, easily
Godolphin won the first two renewals and have entered both Excellent Result, a son of Shamardal who didn't cost a fortune, and Personable, a Cape Cross colt out of an unraced mare from the family of Stagecraft. Andrew Balding won last year's event but Soviet Rock looked very inexperienced at Sandown and was almost pulled up. Autun is the first foal of a mare who won a Group 3 over 7f as a juvenile so he's one to note but Space Ship has been a beaten favourite on both starts and should do better in his second season. TELESCOPE and Elkaayed made their debuts in what looked a very strong maiden won by Snow King at Ascot and both ran exceptionally well. The former may have won but for his rider losing his whip close home and can again take care of the latter, who looked in need of the run but showed very good pace for most of the way.
Autun (USA) Empire Maker colt out of Sense Of Joy.
Elkaayed (USA) 10-1 (9-3) Led far side group and overall leader, headed when groups merged over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 17, 5l behind Snow King (9-3) at Ascot 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Excellent Result (IRE) Shamardal colt out of Line Ahead.
Glorious Protector (IRE) Azamour colt out of Hasaiyda.
Personable Cape Cross colt out of Likeable.
Seamless Beat Hollow colt out of Fashionable.
Soviet Rock (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Held up disputing close 5th, pushed along on outside well over 2f out, veered badly left to outside rail well over 1f out, no chance after, eased, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Excess Knowledge (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Aug.
Space Ship 5-2fav (9-3) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 15, 3/4l behind Glenard (9-3) at Doncaster 1m 2yo mdn (3) gd.
Telescope (IRE) 4-1fav (9-3) Raced stands side, held up in rear, headway when groups merged over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, rider lost whip closing stages, just failed, 2nd of 17, shd behind Snow King (9-3) at Ascot 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
