in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong
behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, never reach leaders
slowly into stride, held up, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, every chance final furlong, ran on
chased leader, ridden over 3f out, led over 2f out, all out
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace final furlong
held up and keen, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Vodafone Derby third Dylan Thomas was impressive when landing the Irish Derby but should not be at all inconvenienced by this drop back in distance and is taken to follow up at the main expense of Cherry Mix and Notnowcato. The last mentioned has a progressive profile and should be right at home under these conditions. Sir Michael Stoute's colt makes more appeal than the consistent Enforcer, who is again likely to find at least one too good, and stablemate Maraahel who was again found wanting in the highest grade last time in the King George. Cambridgeshire winner Blue Monday probably lacks the class to win this, while French raider Laverock would have a squeak if further rain arrived. Snoqualmie Boy does not look up to the task and a bigger threat is likely to come from the Godolphin representative Cherry Mix, who added another Group 1 victory to his CV when winning in Germany recently. The drop back in distance may not suit him though and a safer option looks to be Dylan Thomas, provided that there is no further rain.
Blue Monday 8-1 (9-7) Dwelt, soon in touch, ridden 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2l behind David Junior (9-7) at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
Cherry Mix (FR) 4-1 (9-6) Tracked leader and soon 8 lengths clear of remainder, led over 2f out, still 6 lengths clear over 2f out, ridden out, won at Cologne 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd beating Fracas (9-6) by 4l, 9 ran.
Laverock (IRE) (9-6) 2nd of 5, 0.0000 behind Lord Of England (8-9) at Munich 1m 2f Grp 1 (A) gd in Jul.
Maraahel (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) Settled in 5th, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, no chance from over 1f out, 5th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Hurricane Run (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
Notnowcato 9-1 (9-7) Tracked leader for 2f, ridden 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind David Junior (9-7) at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
Dylan Thomas (IRE) 9-2fav (9-0) Soon settled mid-division, 6th early straight, closer in 3rd under 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, quickly clear, stayed on well, impressive, won at Curragh 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Jul beating Gentlewave (9-0) by 3l, 13 ran.
Snoqualmie Boy 6-1 (9-4) In touch, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 7th of 8, 4l behind Prince of Light (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3yo lst stk (1) gf.
Enforcer 50-1 (9-7) Took keen hold early, held up last, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, no extra and one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3l behind Hurricane Run (9-7) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jul.
