tracked leaders on inside rail to 2f out, weakened final furlong
started slowly, outpaced and always in rear
in touch on outer, effort 2f out, ridden and not quicken over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch and ridden along, lost place halfway, soon outpaced and weakened
chased leaders, hung left from 2f out, weakened over 1f out and eased inside final furlong
made all, led, joined 2f out, shaken up and quickened clear over 1f out, impressive
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd post
chased winner, joined winner 2f out, soon ridden, no chance over 1f out and one pace, lost 2nd post
The shortlist here contains Zavone, Montzando, Overstayed and Phantom Whisper, with the vote going to Zavone. Much as Zavone finished third to Montzando on his debut, he can reverse the form here, having learned plenty from that inexperienced run and putting it to good use by scoring comfortably at Newbury ten days ago. He can go well. Montzando won well over course and distance last time and, following on from what we have already mentioned, he comes firmly into the reckoning. Overstayed's Norfolk Stakes fifth rates as solid enough form in the context of this race and he is respected, while Phantom Whisper is better than he showed last time at Goodwood, but before that he had looked smart in winning twice, including the Brocklesby. Finally, Past Tender won on his debut, but he will need to improve on that to feature here and Cape Luck showed good battling qualities to score at Beverley, but the others need to improve on what they have so far shown to feature. This returns us to the selection, which is Zavone.
Cape of Luck (IRE) 13-8fav (9-2) Dwelt and behind, soon pushed along, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Lake Hero (8-11) at Beverley 5f nov stk (4) gf in Jun.
Charming Ballet (IRE) Imperial Ballet colt out of an unraced mare.
Montzando 4-5fav (9-0) Made all, ridden 2f out, in command and pushed out final furlong, readily, won at Sandown 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Brandywell Boy (9-0) by 2l, 7 ran.
Past Tender (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) With leader, led after 2f, ridden over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on, won at Warwick 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jun beating Reviving (8-13) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Phantom Whisper 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, hung right over 2f out, not trouble leaders, 7th of 8, 3l behind Strike Up The Band (9-3) at Goodwood 5f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in May.
Zavone (IRE) 4-6fav (9-0) Made all, quickened clear inside final 2f, drew clear over 1f out, very easily, won at Newbury 5f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jun beating Figaro Flyer (9-0) by 9l, 5 ran.
Colourpoint (USA) 200-1 (8-9) Led 1f, stayed prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 14, 13l behind La Chunga (8-9) at York 6f 2yo fll Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
Smooch 25-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 9l behind Dixie Belle (8-8) at Newmarket 6f 2yo lst fll (1) gd in Jun.
Overstayed (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 5l behind Masta Plasta (8-12) at York 5f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
