tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on
keen hold, soon tracking leaders, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened
dwelt, held up, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed just over 1f out, no extra
tracked leader, every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway to chace leaders over 1f out, soon one pace
An interesting contest can go to Dickensian ahead of Pacific Pride, Aeroplane and Chief Commander. With Godolphin now in full flow, we can assume that Dickensian will lack for nothing in fitness as he bids to land this conditions event on his return to the fray. The son of Xaar finished down the field behind Hurricane Cat in last year's Horris Hill at Newbury, with the rain-softened ground no doubt contributing to his defeat. Mind you, he was only about three lengths behind the third-placed Araafa, and on that form should have nothing to fear from Aeroplane who was 10th of 11 to the latter in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Connections were disappointed with his showing that day, and will be hoping for a big run here under Eddie Ahern. Pacific Pride was highly-tried as a youngster and has been mixing it with handicap company this term so has more to do, while Chief Commander in contrast has been flying a bit higher, taking on Listed opponents without success. Basically, if Dickensian is fit enough, he should have too much class for Aeroplane and co.
Aeroplane 16-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd and ridden straight, weakened 2f out, 10th of 11, 18l behind Araafa (9-0) at Ascot 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Chief Commander (FR) 50-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, hampered when weakening over 1f out, last of 10, 29l behind Quito (9-5) at York 7f lst stk (1) sft in Aug.
Dingaan (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, raced near side mid-division, ridden over 3f out, never trouble leaders, 16th of 30, 18l behind Sir Gerard (8-12) at Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Come Out Fighting 8-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Burning Incense (8-6) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Aug.
Dickensian (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (8-9) Held up, some headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never a danger, 8th of 13, 5l behind Hurricane Cat (8-9) at Newbury 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Pacific Pride 33-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 17, nk behind Knot In Wood (8-8) at York 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Aug.
