dwelt, soon tracked leading trio, pushed along 3f out, soon driven along, disputing modest 3rd 1f out, no chance with leading duo
led, quickened tempo halfway, reduced lead 3f out, strongly pessed 2f out, headed over 1f out, held when hampered on rail 150 yards out
started very slowly, held up last, keeping on one pace and no chance when short of room inside final furling
slowly into stride, held up in 6th, ridden on outside 2f out, never on terms
tracked leader, pushed along 4f out, dropped to 3rd inside final 3f, ridden over 2f out, lost well held 3rd entering final furlong, weakened
slowly into stride, held up in 5th, travelling well on inside 3f out, stayed on to 3rd entering final furlong, never any chance with leading duo
tracked leading pair, closed over 3f out, tracked leader inside final 3f, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, hung right inside final furlong, in control final 110 yards
VERDANT is given another chance following two costly defeats, with Australia Day and Tartan Gunna likely dangers. Sir Michael Stoute's colt is up a pound following a third place finish at Epsom last time and the form of that race was franked in style by the victory of Dandino at Royal Ascot. Ryan Moore has to switch his mount at a vital stage that day too so he could've been a good second and as a course and distance winner on his return should have no excuses this time. Australia Day also loves it here and should benefit for stepping down in trip after a good effort at Royal Ascot, a couple of places behind Imposing of Sir Michael's. He's tough to pass when on song and certainly has conditions, although on a line through Imposing may struggle to hold the likely late thrust of Tartan Gunna who bounced back to form under this rider last time, when enforced waiting tactics seemed to suit. He's got more on his plate under a penalty having struggled from similar marks in the past but does arrive here at the top of his game. Safari Sunup is best with cut and hasn't won since 2008 yet remains 7lbs higher in the ratings and the form of Brunston's return success has taken a few knocks. Kaolak was pulled up and dismounted last time but is presumably none the worse, however he's got plenty on his plate here. Verdant makes the most appeal in a strong handicap.
Safari Sunup (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Raced in rear, headway over 3f out, soon driven, hung right over 2f out, hampered over 1f out, no danger after, 7th of 8, 9l behind Class Is Class (8-12) at Goodwood 1m 2f Listed stks (1) gd in May.
Australia Day (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, chased winner until 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 17, 2 1/4l behind Cill Rialaig (8-11) at Royal Ascot 1m 4f hcp 105 (2) gf in Jun.
Tartan Gunna 5-2fav (8-7) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well, won at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun beating Collateral Damage (9-0) by 4l, 7 ran.
Brunston 13-2 (9-1) Led after 1f, headed halfway, hard ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, eased final furlong, 8th of 9, 17l behind Final Victory (8-8) at Goodwood 1m 4f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Kaolak (USA) 5-1 (9-13) Tracked leaders on outside, went 2nd on inside 7f out, ridden and lost 2nd over 3f out, 7th and no chance when lost action over 1f out, pulled up and dismounted near finish, in a race won by Arizona John (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun, 10 ran.
Aurorian (IRE) 8-1 (8-10) Mid-division, effort on outside and hung left 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 18l behind Fortuni (8-8) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
Verdant 11-4fav (9-3) In touch in 5th, not clear run and switched left to inside over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to 3rd final 100 yards, not pace to reach leading duo, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Dandino (8-10) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
