tracked leaders, chased leader over 4f out, effort approaching 2f out, not quicken and soon one pace
led until ridden and pressed over 2f out, headed 1f out, not pace of winner inside final furlong
pulled very hard in rear, headway from 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong
tracked leaders to over 4f out, ridden over 3f out and soon outpaced
You could build a case for each of these runners but, in a race where the betting should be viewed with interest, the vote goes to Arminius. Arminius won his maiden well last season and rates as interesting this time around and is respected. Star Crowned took well to his headgear last time to finish second to the well-regarded Aeroplane at Newmarket and has to be afforded all due respect. Upper Hand has not really built on his Richmond Stakes second last season and maybe has something to prove now, while Vanderlin's half-sister Sabah could be interesting on her debut. Finally, it is hard to get a handle on Chief Commander's form, although he carries a good reputation, as his Listed-race second came at Cagnes Sur Mer. Once again, then, in a race where the market should provide a few clues, the vote goes to Arminius.
Arminius (IRE) 9-4fav (9-0) Held up in rear, headway on bit over 1f out, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, quickened clear, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Jun beating Woolfall Blue (9-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
Chief Commander (FR) 12-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 9l behind Close To You (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo lst stk (1) pol in Apr.
Upper Hand 7-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 5l behind Saville Road (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 3yo stk (4) gf in Apr.
Sabah Nashwan filly, half-sister to numerous winners at up to 1m2f.
Star Crowned (USA) 33-1 (9-0) Always prominent, led over 4f out, headed just over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Aeroplane (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
