tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, led after 2f, hard ridden when headed approaching final furlong, faded closing stages
held up in rear, smooth headway over 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, ran on
led 2f, remained prominent, lost place over 2f out
chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra closing stages
Licence To Till is likely to need the race but the other four all merit consideration. Course winners Spes Nostra and Ventura Quest both have recent successes on their respective CVs but both obliged on soft ground and it is questionable whether either will prove as effective under forecast quicker conditions. Spes Nostra would be preferred of the pair but the top weight may struggle to concede 19lb to recent Goodwood scorer COMMISSAR. The latter travelled well throughout that contest over today's trip and should remain competitive with conditions to suit off a 4lb higher mark. The handicapper seems to have Artful Prince where he wants him at present but the Given inmate can usually be relied upon to run his race and is not discounted.
Spes Nostra 6-1 (8-11) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 14l behind Only Orsenfoolsies (8-10) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in May.
Ventura Quest (USA) 11-4fav (9-2) Led after 1f, ridden over 3f out, pressed over 2f out, kept on well towards finish, won at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) sft beating Cactus Valley (9-7) by 1l, 8 ran.
Artful Prince 14-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden and lost 3rd approaching final furlong, weakened tamely inside final furlong, 9th of 14, 10l behind Correggio (8-8) at York 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) gs.
Licence To Till (USA) 15-2 (10-2) Tracked leading pair, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, last of 6, 16l behind Rasselas (9-10) at Carlisle 1m 1f ladies clm stks (5) gd in Aug.
Commissar 8-1 (10-8) In touch, headway 3f out, led 2f out, pressed inside final furlong, just held on, won at Goodwood 1m 1f am hcp (0-70) (4yo+) (5) gd beating Trader Jack (10-5) by nk, 16 ran.