went very keen to post, chased leaders on rail, pushed along halfway, weakened quickly inside final 2f, behind and virtually pulled up over 1f out
raced keenly, made all, ridden and edged left final furlong, kept on strongly, unchallenged
took keen hold, chased winner on outside, no impression when lost 2nd over 1f out, kept on to hold 3rd
chased leaders on outside, hung badly left from 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
slowly into stride, last pair but well in touch, headway 3f out, chased leading pair halfway, went 2nd and edged left over 1f out, no chance with winner
slowly into stride and not much room leaving stalls, in rear but in touch, ridden well over 1f out, hung right and kept on final furlong, almost snatched 3rd
Richard Hannon holds a powerful hand with two members of his juvenile army with Richard Hughes choosing Fast who hacked up by 7l on debut before finishing in mid-division in the Queen Mary at the royal meeting. However, we will take her on with the Hughes discarded in the form of EMPEROR'S HOPE, a smooth scorer from Double Point at Salisbury last time. The runner-up has scored easily since and the selection looks just the sort to improve again. Majestic Alexander is entered at Chester on Saturday but would be of interest if turning up here, whilst Sir Michael Stoute and Paul Cole unveil newcomers in Along Again and Thatchit, both of whom should receive a close market check.
Fast 12-1 (8-12) Raced near side and off the pace towards rear, headway over 1f out, driven and stayed on inside final furlong, no chance with far side, 10th of 23, 7l behind Rizeena (8-12) at Royal Ascot 5f 2yo fll Grp 2 (1) gf.
Majestic Alexander (IRE) 4-1 (8-9) Chased leading trio on outside, went 3rd 2f out, ridden and stayed on to 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Lilbourne Lass (8-11) at Bath 5f 2yo nov stk (4) fm.
Emperor's Hope (IRE) 5-2fav (8-11) Tracked leader, led halfway, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on, won at Salisbury 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd beating Double Point (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Outback Lover (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, soon struggling, 8th of 12, 12l behind Quatuor (8-7) at Chester 5f 2yo stks (2) gf in May.
Along Again (IRE) Elusive City filly out of American Adventure.
Thatchit (IRE) Invincible Spirit filly out of Security Interest.
State Anthem 28-1 (9-0) Led to 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Queen Catrine (9-0) at Ayr 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf.