took keen hold in touch on outside, ridden, effort over 2f out, unable to quicken, weakened quickly over 1f out
led 1f, tracked leader after to over 3f out, slightly outpaced 2f out, stayed on, no impression final furlong
tracked leaders, chased leader over 3f out, ridden to lead 3f out, hanging right over 2f out, headed narrowly approaching 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, headway, switched left inside final 2f, led just over 1f out, ran on strongly, ridden out
led after 1f, ridden, headed 3f out, weakened rapidly over 2f out, tailed off
settled in last, headway to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, always held by winner final 100 yards
tracked leaders on inside, ridden over 2f out, no headway, weakened quickly 2f out
in touch, chased leader 2f out, led narrowly approaching 1f out, no extra, lost 2nd inside final furlong
It is very hard to see beyond HENRYTHENAVIGATOR as the bids to claim his third Group one victory of the season in the St. James's Palace Stakes. The winner of both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, Henrythenavigator's achievements were made all the more significant when his victim in both those Classics New Approach landed the Epsom Derby. A hugely impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at this meeting last year, the fast ground on offer is what he requires and today's race can be added to what is already a bulging portfolio of big-race successes. Rio De La Plata and Falco look the main threats to Henrythenavigator. Falco comes here after landing the French 2,000 Guineas where Rio De La Plata was 3l adrift. While some argued that possibly Frankie Dettori was lacking in the tactics department at Longchamp, there is every reason to believe he can confirm the placings with the Godolphin runner as he was not closing as the line approached. The unknown where Falco is concerned are the underfoot conditions. Rio De La Plata appeared a non-stayer in the French Guineas and surprisingly connections opted to contest the Epsom Derby since. On the evidence of how he travelled at Epsom this mile should not pose a problem although he did have a tough race at Epsom, this race coming only 10 days after the Derby. Twice Over, well-touted during the winter for Epsom honours failed to stay in the Dante and subsequent tests found that all was not well with the colt following York. He impressed with his defeat of Raven's Pass in the Craven previously and with him open to improvement, he could well prove the biggest threat to our pick.
Alexandros 10-3fav (8-6) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on well, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Blythe Knight (9-4) at Epsom 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) gd.
Cat Junior (USA) 4-1 (8-12) Keen, held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, held when bumped over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 8l behind Without A Prayer (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 3yo stk (3) gf in May.
Falco (USA) (9-2) Prominent, led 2f out, stayed on strongly, won at Longchamp 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in May beating Rio de La Plata (9-2) by 3l, 19 ran.
Henrythenavigator (USA) 5-4 (9-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, close up travelling well 2f out, ridden over 1f out, quickened well inside final furlong to lead last 100yds, comfortably, won at Curragh 1m 3yo Grp 1 frm in May beating New Approach (9-0) by 2l, 5 ran.
Minneapolis 20-1 (9-1) Led after 1f, reduced advantage 2 1/2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra and weakened, 7th of 9, 11l behind Hebridean (9-1) at Curragh 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 frm in May.
Raven's Pass (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace, 4th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Henrythenavigator (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gd in May.
Stubbs Art (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Prominent early, soon chased leader, ridden in close 2nd 2f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Henrythenavigator (9-0) at Curragh 1m 3yo Grp 1 frm in May.
Twice Over 4-6fav (9-0) Held up in touch, headway over 3f out, hung right 2f out, every approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Tartan Bearer (9-0) at York 1m 2f 3yo Grp 2 (1) gf in May.
Rio de La Plata (USA) 20-1 (9-0) Mid-division, pushed along when hampered 2f out, no chance after, 7th of 16, 8l behind New Approach (9-0) at Epsom 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd.
