with leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, not quicken final furlong
behind, some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders to over 1f out, soon weakened
raced towards stand side, in touch, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened towards finish
keen, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on never trouble leaders
chased leaders until ridden and weakened entering final furlong
never better than mid-division
slowly into stride, held up always in rear
held up, headway when not much room over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well final furlong
chased leaders, lost place halfway, weakened inside final furlong
raced towards stand side, chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well under pressure final furlong
keen, held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and ran on well final furlong
led to over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders to over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Another large turnout in which Ayr Gold Cup winner Quito is just a tentative choice to beat the likes of High Reach, Mutawaqed and Smart Predator to name but three. David Chapman realised a long-held ambition when Quito landed the Ayr showpiece in September, and could have been forgiven for putting the six-year-old away for the season. However, he was allowed to run at Ascot two weeks ago and did not perform too badly from a bad draw. The winner, Master Robbie, has since followed up here on Thursday, and back over six furlongs, there is no reason why Quito should not be on the premises again. He is drawn in stall nine, while High Reach is in box six. Terry Mills' consistent inmate was a beaten favourite on Lingfield's Polytrack, a six pounds penalty for an earlier Ascot win not helping his cause. Back on turf, he should go well. Mutawaqed was also a beaten jolly last time at Goodwood. He has taken on the best sprint handicappers of late, but would prefer easier ground. His is not a lost cause entirely though as he meets his Goodwood conqueror Najeebon on much better terms. Steel Blue is on a handy mark and would be a popular one for the locals as well, but in a hard one to call, we shall stay with Quito to at least reach the frame.