led, headed well over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led well over 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, soon no extra
held up in touch, smooth headway well over 2f out, soon driven, ran on strongly to lead inside final furlong, impressive
tracked leader, effort well over 2f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
Ground concerns aside, SEA THE STARS is the best horse of his generation and his class can see him through on this occasion. Mastercraftsman is highly-rated by all at Ballydoyle so merits the utmost respect, while Tartan Bearer is a tough customer to deal with and won't go down without a fight. Tartan Bearer won the Dante Stakes here last year, so has nothing to fear from the course. He is also versatile regarding the underfoot conditions and can make a strong impact if the Irish pacemakers (Georgebernardshaw and Set Sail) do their job well. Mastercraftsman has thrived since his creditable fifth behind Sea The Stars at Newmarket in May. An Irish 2,000 Guineas success combined with winning the St James's Palace Stakes is already the stuff of dreams. But this son of Danehill Dancer would appear to have a bit to find as his stamina is set to be tested beyond a mile for the first today. Therefore, it would appear to be safer to show faith in Sea The Stars as he attempts to add a fourth Group 1 to his portfolio. John Oxx earned a place in racing folklore when he masterminded an unbeaten three-year-old campaign for Sinndar at the turn of the century. And the Irish maestro can take the next step to repeating the feat with Sea The Stars this afternoon.
Georgebernardshaw (IRE) 10-3fav (9-8) Tracked leaders in 2nd, ridden in 3rd 2 1/2f out, no impression from 2f out and kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Latin Love (8-12) at Cork 1m Listed stks.
Mastercraftsman (IRE) 5-6fav (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, hard ridden 2f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, rallied gamely and stayed on under strong pressure to regain lead final 75 yards, won at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating Delegator (9-0) by nk, 10 ran.
Sea The Stars (IRE) 4-7fav (8-10) Held up in 5th on inside, eased left travelling well 3f out, quickened to lead 2f out, ridden and looked pressed 1f out, quickened again to draw away final 100 yards, won at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Jul beating Rip Van Winkle (8-10) by 1l, 10 ran.
Set Sail (IRE) 2-1fav (8-12) Settled in 4th, 3rd halfway, ridden 3f out, under pressure in 3rd 2f out, stayed on to 2nd last 200 yards, not reach winner, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Nafaath (9-4) at Fairyhouse 1m 2f cond Stakes sft in Jul.
Tartan Bearer (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Held up in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, ridden to lead briefly well over 1f out, kept on gamely to hold 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Conduit (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Jul.
