raced stands side, tracked leader until 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced far side, led, hung badly left from 3f out to join main group on stands side and in lead that side approaching 2f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, held and no impression on winner far side
raced stands side, tracked leaders, went 2nd that side over 1f out, no impression
tracked leader far side, left alone that side over 2f out, led 2f out, stayed on well final furlong
led group of 4 on stands side, headed that side and slightly hampered 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders stands side, pushed along halfway, weakened over 2f out, eased
NAQSHABBAN can register a quick double for Luca Cumani here. He followed up last year's maiden win with a victory at Sandown on his reappearance and his trainer will be sending him to Royal Ascot if he runs a big race today. However, he's faces stiff opposition from Buthelezi, who beat Barbican earlier this month and can confirm the form on better terms. Cai Shen finished ahead of Namibian when runner-up in a Listed race here last month, while Laajooj finished a respectable fourth in the Dee Stakes at Chester last time and could prove the biggest threat to the selection back on a more suitable track.
Barbican 9-4fav (9-4) Raced center tracked leader, led this group 3f out, headed over 1f out, rallied to lead again inside final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Buthelezi (9-7) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Buthelezi (USA) 5-1 (9-7) Steadied start, in rear, switched left to race alone under stands side rail after 2f, headway to be overall leader 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, driven inside final furlong, rallied to lead near finish, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf beating Barbican (9-4) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cai Shen (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) In touch in rear, headway 3f out, hemmend in by winner over 2f out, ridden to chase winner approaching final furlong, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Ocean War (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2f Listed stks 3yo (1) gf in Apr.
Laajooj (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 7f out, challenged from 3f out, every chance over 1f out, staying on same pace and held when slightly hampered inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3l behind Glen's Diamond (8-12) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf.
Namibian (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon led, edged right and headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Masked Marvel (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3f Listed stks 3yo (1) gd.
Naqshabban (USA) 4-1 (9-2) Keen tracked leaders, switched left over 1f out, soon ridden, edged left and led inside final furlong, won at Sandown 1m con stks (3) gd in Apr beating Joviality (8-7) by nk, 4 ran.
