tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, drifted towards near rail over 1f out, ran on strongly final furlong
raced in 3rd, ridden to press leader over 2f out, led in centre of track over 1f out, ran on strongly final furlong
broke well and led, travelling best in front over 2f out, ridden and headed narrowly over 1f out, weakened final furlong
A disappointing turnout numerically in what is likely to prove a tactical affair. The globetrotting Red Verdon continues to ply his trade with credit at the age of eight, whereas Roberto Escobarr is hard to evaluate on only a fifth start in three seasons but is clearly open to progress. Ranch Hand stays further and may well set out to make all after a solid second in the Henry II Stakes last time. However, MAKAWEE receives a handy 8lb from the topweight and has proved competitive in a similar grade on both runs this season.
Ranch Hand 3-1 (9-2) Prominent early, chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, no impression on winner, kept on, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Lismore (8-12) at Sandown 2m Grp 3 stks (1) sft in May.
Red Verdon (USA) (8-13) 6th of 8, 19 3/4l behind Skazino (8-13) at ParisLongchamp 1m 7f Grp 2 stks sft in May.
Roberto Escobarr (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Mid-division on inside, pushed along over 2f out, soon ridden chasing leaders, weakened inside final 2f, 5th of 11, 15 3/4l behind Albaflora (8-9) at Ascot 1m 4f lst stks (1) sft in May.
Makawee (IRE) 15-2 (9-0) Tracked leader, soon clear third, pushed along before 3f out, headway approaching 2f out, disputing second 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Tribal Craft (9-0) at York 1m 6f Grp 3 fll stks (1) sft in May.