held up, ridden and headway from 2f out, ran on same pace final furlong
chased leader, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, headway to lead over 2f out, soon ridden, headed just inside final furlong, no extra
held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
always behind, no impression
led for 1f, chased leader, ridden and every chance 1f out, kept on final furlong
prominent, switched left and headway well over 1f out, quickened and ran on strongly to lead just inside final furlong, impressively
If the rain stays away then Ashdown Express must have a great chance, however Prime Defender is a youngster on the move and can win again. Of the others, only Mimisel can be ruled out. Barry Hills' colt never looked as if he was going to be anything other than a sprinter and after a couple of poor attempts at a mile when he didn't stay, he scored well over this trip in a Listed contest last month. He acts on all types of ground and looks sure to run a big race, although it won't be easy against some seasoned older rivals. Patavellian needs the heavens to open but his prayers could be answered so he looks a threat, along with Pivotal Point who was mixing it in some tasty company last year. He returns from a break and may just need the run though. Presto Shinko looked very promising last year however he was bitterly disappointing last time out and needs to bounce back. Sakhee's Secret comes her e in search of the hat-trick and Hughie Morrison's colt looks primed for another big run, however Prime Defender gets the nomination.
Ashdown Express (IRE) 9-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, no impression from 1 1/2f out, 5th of 11, 6l behind Benbaun (9-12) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 gf in May.
Patavellian (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Never dangerous, 7th of 11, 6l behind Beauty Is Truth (8-6) at Chantilly 5f Grp 2 (1) sft.
Pivotal Point 9-2 (9-8) Held up towards rear, 5th and headway after halfway, 3rd 2f out, kept on, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Moss Vale (9-10) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 (1) gf in Aug.
Presto Shinko (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Never dangerous, 10th of 11, 10l behind Beauty Is Truth (8-6) at Chantilly 5f Grp 2 (1) sft.
The Trader (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Held up in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no progress, 4th of 8, 5l behind Sierra Vista (9-1) at Sandown 5f Grp 2 (1) gs in May.
Prime Defender 11-8fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on well inside final furlong, won at Haydock 6f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May beating Hoh Mike (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Sakhee's Secret 1-4fav (9-0) Held up behind leaders, effort and shaken up over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, pushed clear, readily, won at Newbury 6f 3yo lst stk (1) gs in May beating Fontana Amorosa (8-9) by 3l, 5 ran.
Mimisel 33-1 (8-9) Tracked leader, weakened final 2f, 5th of 6, 6l behind Tariq (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in May.
