tracked winner, ridden 2f out, kept on, unable to quicken inside final furlong
went left start, held up in last place, not far away, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression until driven, ran on towards finish
made all, ridden 2f out, driven out
held up in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong
Nonrunner
King Of Dixie can continue to climb the ranks by gaining his first Black Type success at the main expense of Blythe Knight and Appalachian Trail. William Knight's exciting colt has given trouble at the start on occasion and can get a bit worked up but when he gets it right, he's very good. He ran a tremendous race on just his fourth start to finish third in the Victoria Cup despite losing ground at the start when rearing as the stalls opened. He was the lowest rated horse in a conditions stakes at York last time but won impressively there and he can take this step up in class in his stride. Blythe Knight is an admirable fellow but he's going to struggle to give weight away to this quality of opposition. Appalachian Trail is the highest rated horse in the race and he looks sure to give a good account of himself with the race conditions ideal and he is a dual winner here. Vortex is a former winner of this race and not dismissed but Racer Forever looks up against it and Army Of Angels has shown his best form with cut in the ground and needs some rain. Rain would be a concern for our selection but King Of Dixie can call the tune as long as conditions remain on the fast side.
Blythe Knight (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Tracked leading pair, 3rd straight, switched right to chase leader over 1f out, led entering final furlong, kept on, won at Epsom 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) gd beating Alexandros (8-6) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, ran on towards finish, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Major Cadeaux (9-5) at Haydock 7f Grp 3 (1) gd in May.
King of Dixie (USA) 9-4fav (9-2) Held up in rear, smooth progress 2f out, quickened to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at York 7f stk (3) gd in May beating Fateh Field (8-5) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Racer Forever (USA) 16-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders far side, effort 2f out, not quicken and weakened 1f out, 11th of 28, 6l behind Regal Parade (8-6) at Royal Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) frm.
Vortex 33-1 (9-2) Behind far side, ridden 3f out, kept on 2f out, never dangerous, 17th of 28, 10l behind Regal Parade (8-6) at Royal Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) frm.
Army of Angels (IRE) 5-4fav (9-8) Tracked leaders, soon ridden, hung right 2f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Dunelight (9-5) at Goodwood 1m lst stk (1) gd in Jun '07.
