in touch, effort 2f out, not quicken and weakened over 1f out
awkward start and started slowly, towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
chased leaders 2f, steadied and in rear 2f out, good headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, ran on well and asserted towards finish
chased leader to 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra and weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, effort 2f out, unable to challenge over 1f out, kept on one pace
steadied start, settled behind, steady headway to lead over 1f out, no extra when headed inside final furlong
led until headed over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
in touch, headway and effort when hung left over 1f out, not reached leaders, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden to challenge and every chance over 1f out, not quicken and weakened rapidly inside final furlong
close up for 2f out, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
Withdrawn
Plenty of these have clashed recently and we will side with SIR GERRY ahead of Conquest, Major Eazy and Perfect Polly. This may not be the most competitive of Group races and it would come as no real surprise were Stewards' Cup winner Conquest to land his first Group race. He drops back to his optimum trip of six furlongs today and merits respect, but we will side instead with class act Sir Gerry. Despite the poor form of his stable, this talented colt has run well this season, being placed in the Golden Jubilee and recently in the Diadem - both at Ascot. Back here once again, he handles this ground and will be ideally suited by a strong pace. Galeota is best at Doncaster, Prime Defender is consistent but keeps finding a couple too good, whilst Major Eazy is back from a year off but needs to improve. Dark Missile has talent and will try to blaze a trail, whilst Perfect Polly returns from four months off but is a talented filly who is on the upgrade and deserves a crack at Group races. Assertive is quirky but rates a threat on his best runs. Ayr Gold Cup winner Regal Parade meanwhile may have yet more improvement to come now sticking with sprinting trips. A very competitive contest.
Assertive 15-2 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on well, never on terms, 7th of 15, 2 1/2l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Intrepid Jack 14-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, never on terms, 8th of 15, 2 1/2l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Balthazaar's Gift (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Behind, some headway over 1f out, never on terms, 10th of 15, 4 1/2l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Conquest (IRE) 28-1 (9-8) Towards rear stand side, never dangerous, 18th of 29, 9l behind Furnace (8-11) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gd in Sept.
Galeota (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Prominent, under pressure over 2f out, soon lost place, last of 12, 13l behind Ceremonial Jade (9-2) at Great Leighs 6f stk (2) pol in Sept.
Prime Defender 12-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on well, 4th of 15, 3/4l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Regal Parade 18-1 (8-10) Held up stands side group, headway 2f out, led overall inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Ayr 6f hcap (2) hvy in Sept beating Tajneed (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 27 ran.
Zidane 18-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway halfway, every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 12th of 15, 7l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Major Eazy (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Led far side group, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 12th of 15, 9l behind Max One Two Three (8-9) at York 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gs.
Sir Gerry (USA) 13-2 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, 3rd of 15, 1/2l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Dark Missile 12-1 (8-11) Prominent, every chance over 1f out, weakened close home, 9th of 15, 2 1/2l behind King's Apostle (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept.
Perfect Polly 9-2 (8-7) In touch and raced keen, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well, won at Haydock 6f lst fll stk (1) gd in May beating Aine (8-7) by 1l, 10 ran.
Judd Street 9-2 (8-12) Prominent, not clear run on inside well over 1f out, ridden and not quicken inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Peace Offering (8-12) at Newmarket 5f lst stk (1) gf.
Orpsie Boy (IRE) 40-1 (8-12) Soon in mid-division, outpaced halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 3l behind Peace Offering (8-12) at Newmarket 5f lst stk (1) gf.
