tracked leader, ridden and effort 2f out, one-paced
held up in touch, ridden 2f out, one-paced
outpaced in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
settled behind leaders, smooth headway to lead over 1f out, drew clear final furlong, ridden out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner
The prevailing rain has caused the field to cut up a little, but still a fascinating contest for one of the premier races of the season, one that allows the three-year-olds to race against the older generation for the first time at Group 1 level, awaits us. The general theory is that the younger brigade hold the advantage at the weights, although the last 20 runnings show that eight three-year-olds, six four-year-olds and five five-year-olds have been successful. Hawk Wing will face the same problem here that he faced at Epsom in that the rain has got into the ground. That said, it was more the trip than the ground that beat him in the Derby and, with normal progress, he looks to hold a favourite's chance. Some say that he had a very hard race at Epsom and it is a point worth considering, as is the view that sons of Woodman generally come out second best in a battle. Today is red-letter day for Aidan O'Brien's colt. O'Brien's other runners are Bach, third in last year's Eclipse and also third in the Breeders' Cup Mile, and the Irish Derby runner-up, Sholokhov. The former, disappointing at Royal Ascot must run well if back to the form of last season and the going should suit. Sholokhov ran above expectations at The Curragh but is a Group 1 winner and will handle the going well. The Godolphin team have selected the unbeaten but injury-prone Equerry from their three 48-hour nominations. He'll go on the ground, is a Group 3 scorer but this represents his toughest challenge to date. No Excuse Needed might not run if the going is soft, which is a shame because he comes here in good heart after his Queen Anne Stakes win and is the type that Sir Michael Stoute does so well with. However, his one run at ten furlongs was a disappointing one. Indian Creek ran a fine race to be second to Grandera in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, was third in last year's Champion Stakes on good to soft going and his trainer feels he will run well. Imperial Dancer has only a remote chance at this level.
