held up in rear, ridden, headway 2f out, soon chasing leaders, switched right to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra close home
soon prominent, keen hold, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
slowly away, held up, never dangerous
led until 2f out, soon weakened
always prominent, driven to lead 2f out, soon hung left under pressure, strongly challenged approaching final furlong, kept on well under pressure
tracked leaders, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
behind, pushed along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, raced keenly in mid-division, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, effort over 2f out, kept on well final furlong
Plenty of scintillating prospects competing in this renewal of the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes and narrow preference is for Alfathaa ahead of Emmrooz and Achill Island. William Haggas has his stable in fair nick and having scored easily at Newbury last time out, he should give punters a run for their money today. He still looked like he had some growing and filling out to do on that occasion and already proven over this trip, he gets our vote. Emmrooz warrants plenty of respect especially if the market vibes are positive for this son of Red Ransom, whilst Aiden O'Brien's runner's always warrant respect although his charge Achill Island appears more of a long term prospect over middle distances next year. Campanologist scored well last time out but this is obviously tougher, whilst Brian Meehan's pair are both worthy contenders with both stepped up in trip. Ridge Dance needs to improve when not fully impressing in an average handicap when last seen, so whilst the betting will provide further clues, we are happy to side with Alfathaa as the selection.
Achill Island (IRE) 2-7fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 3rd approaching straight, led 1f out, soon strongly pressed and joined, stayed on to edge ahead close home, won at Tipperary 7f 2yo mdn gd in Aug beating Magna Cum Laude (9-3) by a nk, 12 ran.
Alfathaa 8-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, smooth progress to lead over 1f out, ridden and soon clear, readily, won at Newbury 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf beating Slam (9-3) by 5l, 10 ran.
Aussie Battler (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, kept on, 5th of 11, 6l behind Fifteen Love (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Campanologist (USA) 11-4 (8-12) Chased leader, ridden over 3f out, led over 1f out, kept on well, won at Haydock 1m 2yo stk (2) gf beating Eileen's Violet (8-13) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
City Leader (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Close up, chased winner from 2f out, soon outpaced, 2nd of 9, 7l behind Raven's Pass (9-0) at Sandown 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf.
Emmrooz 15-8 (9-3) Tracked leaders, led and drifted right 2f out, ran on well, won at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf beating Green Wadi (9-3) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Let Us Prey 25-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 6l behind McCartney (8-12) at Doncaster 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf.
Ridge Dance 4-6fav (9-7) Dwelt, held up in rear, headway to lead on bit over 1f out, shaken up to be overall leader inside final furlong, ran on, won at Yarmouth 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd beating Space Pirate (7-12) by 5l, 6 ran.
Scintillo 4-1 (8-13) Went left start, held up, switched left and headway to chase winner from over 1f out, ran on well, just failed, 2nd of 7, hd behind McCartney (8-13) at Salisbury 1m 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Aug.
Sharp Nephew 7-2jt-fav (9-0) Prominent, ridden to challenge over 1f out, driven to lead well inside final furlong, held on well near finish, won at Newbury 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Aug beating Latin Lad (9-0) by a hd, 10 ran.
Yahrab (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) Towards rear, ridden and headway from 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2l behind McCartney (8-13) at Salisbury 1m 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Aug.
