held up, smooth headway over 3f out, led well over 2f, pushed clear over 1f, edged left and kept on final furlong
steadied at start and held up in rear, headway over 3f out, driven over 1f, one paced final furlong
in touch, pushed along halfway, weakened over 3f out
led, was ridden along when headed well over 2f out, soon weakned
held up, headway over 5f, ridden to challenge over 2f, weakened approaching final furlong
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden along over 4f, weakened over 1f
CENTENNIAL is fancied to be hard to beat as he bids to add to his tally at this level. Veracity along with last year's one-two; Geordieland and Regal And Royal, will also ensure this lives up to it's billing as premium target for high-class stayers. Regal And Royal played his part in a crackling finish last season but has endured a lenient spell since then. He should run his race but is surely beginning to try the patience of his faithful supporters. Last year's winner, Geordieland, went on to finished second in the Gold Cup at Ascot but failed to sparkle over an inadequate trip at Goodwood on his only other start. However, this is likely to have been very high on his agenda this terms and he is sure to be primed and ready to go. He can be unpredictable but a true pace will help his cause. Veracity represents the in-form Godolphin set up and has to merit respect. The predicted rain will be a big plus for this fellow as he seems to prefer a bit of give underfoot these days. Admittedly similar comments apply to a number of the others - Centennial included. However, the selection has the classiest profile on show and, having gone close on his reappearance last month, Centennial can be fancied to stamp his authority today.
Ask 8-13fav (9-6) Tracked leaders, raced keenly, led over 5f out, headed over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 10l behind Buccellati (9-3) at Newbury 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Blue Bajan (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 8, 31l behind Stage Gift (9-2) at York 1m 2f stks (1) hvy in Jul '07.
Percussionist (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Led to halfway, tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 10l behind Septimus (9-1) at York 2m stks (1) gd in Aug '07.
Royal And Regal (IRE) 6-4fav (8-12) Held up, headway to press winner 3f out, every chance over 2f out, no extra and one pace afterwards, 4th of 9, 6l behind Enroller (8-11) at Newbury 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) sft in Apr.
Veracity 4-5fav (9-2) Tracked leading pair; ridden to lead 900m out; clear 500m out; ran on well; game, won at Nad Al Sheba(UAE) 2m stks gd in Feb beating Mourilyan (9-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Centennial (IRE) 5-1 (8-11) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inisde final furlong, always held, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Enroller (8-11) at Newbury 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) sft in Apr.
Fiulin 2-5fav (8-11) Made all, shaken up 3f out, forged clear final furlong, unchallenged, won at Nottingham 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gf in Apr beating The Betchworth Kid (8-11) by 6l, 4 ran.
Washington Irving (IRE) 4-9fav (8-12) Made all, challenged 2f out, ridden and kept on well under pressure from 1f out, won at Navan 1m 2f 3yo mdn sft in Oct beating Timari (9-5) by 1/2l, 20 ran.
Geordieland (FR) 7-1 (9-7) Towards rear, steady progress, going well over 2f out, ridden and not quicken over 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 10, 5l behind Sixties Icon (9-5) at Newbury 1m 5f Grp 3 (1) gs in Aug.
