Ancient Rome has won both starts for Charlie Hills, including a Grade 3 in the States at the start of the month. He looks a better bet than fellow UK raiders Jack Darcy and Checkandchallenge. The latter was only third behind EREVANN (NAP) in another Group 2 at this meeting last year and the winner may have too much class for these as this is his time of year. Flight Leader finished ahead of American Flag in the French Derby at Chantilly in June and won a Group 3 here back in April but is held by the fast-improving Horizon Dore on the form book.
Jack Darcy (IRE) 10-1 (9-4) Made all, ridden out, won at Deauville 1m 4f Grp 2 sft in Aug beating Al Nayyir (9-4) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Erevann (FR) 10-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, one pace when ridden from 2f out, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sauterne (8-10) at ParisLongchamp 1m Grp 1 gs in Sep.
Sammarco (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, challenged for lead 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 5, 1/2l behind Place Du Carrousel (8-13) at ParisLongchamp 1m 4f Grp 2 sft in Sep.
Ancient Rome (USA) 13-2 (8-10) Rated,4-5w turn,drvng, won at Kentucky Downs 1m stks gd in Sep beating Stitched (9-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Checkandchallenge 9-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, headway when ridden and hung left well over 1f out, kept on but not quite pace to challenge, 4th of 5, 2 3/4l behind Alflaila (9-8) at York 1m 2f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Bolthole (IRE) 9-4 (8-13) 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Place Du Carrousel (8-10) at Deauville 1m 2f Grp 3 stks gs in Aug.
Horizon Dore (FR) 8-11fav (9-4) Rear early, ridden and headway 2f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at ParisLongchamp 1m 2f Grp 3 gs in Sep beating Mr Moliere (8-13) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Flight Leader 66-1 (9-3) 6th of 11, 12 1/2l behind Ace Impact (9-3) at Chantilly 1m 2f Grp 1 gd in Jun.
American Flag (FR) 14-1 (9-3) Rear early, hampered making headway 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 11, 16l behind Ace Impact (9-3) at Chantilly 1m 2f Grp 1 gd in Jun.
