led 2f, tracked leader after to 3f out, kept on until weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on steadily final furlong, led final stride
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3f out, led over 1f out, kept on, pressed inside final furlong, headed final stride
always towards rear, struggling 3f out, no chance final 2f, tailed off
always in rear, never dangerous final 2f
held up, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, no impression over 1f out, soon weakened
led after 2f, ridden, headed over 1f out, lost 2nd approaching final furlong, faded final furlong
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Ajaan gets the vote ahead of Balkan Knight and Samuel. Finalmente got the run of the race when winning his penultimate start here and doesn't have the wily Dettori for assistance this time around. He's up against it as is the admirable Distinction and Self Defense. Balkan Knight's course record stands at two wins (including this race last year) and two seconds with the defeats being by just a head and by three quarters of a length. It would be folly to underestimate his chance. Tungsten Strike should ensure that this is run at a decent clip and that will expose any chinks in the armour of unproven stayers Eastern Anthem, Raincoat and Supersonic Dave. Samuel has yet to tackle this trip but gave every indication that he'd see it out when winning a strong Listed race at York last time. He may need a little more ease in the ground to be seen at his best but is a classy and progressive performer. However, we're going to pass him over in favour of Ajaan. Henry Cecil's colt has his quirks as he showed when veering violently on his penultimate victory. He kept a true line when winning his next start over a mile six in good fashion and the way that he travelled until the final quarter of a mile in the Queen Alexandra Stakes really caught the eye. Henry Cecil has trained some top class Cup horses in his time and he may just have another one on his hands in Ajaan.
Finalmente 28-1 (9-2) Tracked leader 5f, stayed prominent until weakened 3f out, tailed off final 2f, last of 10, well behind Yeats (9-2) at Royal Ascot 2m 4f Gold Cup (1) gf in Jun.
Distinction (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Held up, headway 4f out, challenged 2f out, every chance final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Honolulu (9-5) at Ascot 2m 6f stk (2) gf in Jun.
Samuel 12-1 (9-0) Mid-divison, smooth headway to challenge 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well to lead well inside final furlong, won at York 1m 6f lst stk (1) gd in May beating Tranquil Tiger (9-3) by 2l, 12 ran.
Ajaan 7-2 (9-0) Mid-division, steady headway over 5f out, led over 2f out, headed inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 16, 26l behind Honolulu (9-5) at Ascot 2m 6f stk (2) gf in Jun.
Balkan Knight 10-1 (9-2) Steadied start, settled rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead narrowly inside final furlong, no extra and headed final strides, 2nd of 8, hd behind Finalmente (9-2) at Sandown 2m Grp 2 (1) sft in May.
Raincoat 5-1 (9-0) Soon nudged along in rear, ridden and some progress into 5th over 1f out, never pace to challenge, 5th of 10, 6l behind Peppertree Lane (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Tungsten Strike (USA) 14-1 (9-3) Led 2f , tracked leader, driven and outpaced over 3f out, soon hung left and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 26l behind Samuel (9-0) at York 1m 6f lst stk (1) gd in May.
Eastern Anthem (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Tracked winner, challenged over 2f out, took narrow advantage entering final furlong, no extra when headed near finish, 2nd of 10, hd behind Peppertree Lane (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 4f lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Self Defense 9-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, led inside final 3f and kicked on, headed 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Kandidate (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) pol in Sept '06.
Supersonic Dave (USA) 14-1 (9-0) Held up behind, ridden over 2f out, never on terms, 8th of 12, 22l behind Samuel (9-0) at York 1m 6f lst stk (1) gd in May.
