Verdict
Native Citizen rarely runs over 6f these days and the last time he did so was just over a year ago when he scored narrowly from today's rivals Lutine Bell and MAC'S POWER. The latter looks the one to be on here as he's 8lb better off and though hardly a prolific winner he's been running very well in better handicaps than this including when mid-division in the Wokingham last time. Farlow is a progressive sprinter who beat a big field on ground with plenty of give at Doncaster in May before running very well over an extra furlong on firm ground at Haydock. Shropshire has only won once but his close second to Maarek at Newmarket in May points to his chances here while Seeking Magic is a speedy performer though he's yet to prove himself on soft ground.
Formwatch
Lexi's Hero (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Led, ridden and headed entering final 2f, chased leader until approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 16, 5l behind Rex Imperator (9-3) at Windsor 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun.
Mac's Power (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Raced stands' side, held up in rear, headway when not clear run over 1f out, kept on well, never on terms, 13th of 28, 4 1/2l behind Dandy Boy (9-8) at Royal Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gd in Jun.
Chunky Diamond (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) Took keen hold disputing 2nd, definite 2nd 3f out until over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 6, 6l behind Pearl Secret (8-13) at Sandown 5f Listed stks 3yo (1) sft in Jun.
Shropshire (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway on outside 2f out, driven over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, went 2nd final strides, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 2l behind Rex Imperator (9-3) at Windsor 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun.
Imperial Guest 20-1 (8-11) Raced near side, chased leader until led inside final 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 12th of 23, 10l behind Eton Forever (9-8) at Royal Ascot 7f hcp 105 (2) sft in Jun.
Noble Citizen (USA) 33-1 (8-6) Held up in rear, ridden inside final 2f, not clearest of runs towards outside and squeezed through over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, went 2nd towards finish, unable to reach winner, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Primaeval (8-13) at Goodwood 7f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in May.
Thunderball 16-1 (8-10) Bumped start, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon edged right, every chance entering final furlong, weakened closing stages, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Grissom (8-12) at Hamilton 6f hcp 105 (2) hvy.
Farlow (IRE) 4-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no impression on winner towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Tamareen (8-10) at Haydock 7f hcp 0-90 (3) fm in May.
Lutine Bell 13-2 (9-3) Upset in stalls, started slowly and always behind, 14th of 16, 16l behind Rex Imperator (9-3) at Windsor 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Jun.
Top Cop 8-1 (9-1) In touch far side, weakened well over 1f out, soon eased, last of 17, 43l behind Sholaan (8-9) at York 6f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) sft in Jun.
Seeking Magic 9-2fav (9-7) Taken to post early, close up, carried left and not clear run from over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 11, 2l behind Sacrosanctus (9-4) at Epsom Downs 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Elna Bright 25-1 (9-10) Raced near side, outpaced, stayed on inside final furlong, no chance, 7th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Jarrow (9-5) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.