slowly into stride, behind, effort on wide outside 2f out, weakened over 1f out
checked leaders, pushed along 2f out, stayed on same pace
with leaders, driven to lead over 1f out, headed and not quicken inside final furlong
pressed leaders on outer, led inside final furlong, ridden and kept on until caught final 75 yards
with leaders over 3f
held up in rear, good headway on wide outside 1f out, ran on to lead and edge left final 75yds
towards rear, hampered halfway, headway and hung right over 1f out, ran on final furlong, finished well but not reach leaders
in touch, ridden halfway soon beaten
took keen hold early, held up in rear, running on, hamperd and snatched up final 75 yards
led, hanging right and headed over 1f out, weakened and eased final furlong
In this sprint we will side with Polish Emperor, although Night Prospector, Whistler, Malapropism and Treasure Cay are others that can have cases made for them. Conditions might have just fallen right for the Walter Swinburn-trained selection, for whom Johnny Murtagh has been booked today. Tough and speedy, the five-year-old has arguably been a little unlucky in each of his Turf runs since winning a valuable event at Wolverhampton in February. A reasonable draw here can see him competitive from the start and he should run a solid race. If you work on recent formlines using Cape Royal, who looks to have a tough task today, then Treasure Cay, Whistler (who remains 13 pounds above a winning mark) and Malapropism can all be given chances, but Texas Gold needs a career best to score. Last year's Temple Stakes winner, Night Prospector, is, at last, now being given some respite from the handicapper, while The Lord has place possibilities based on his Chester run last time, although his draw is not a good one. If you miss the kick your fate could be known early here, but we will stay loyal to Polish Emperor, who looks capable of winning a race of this nature.
Cape Royal 12-1 (9-6) Dwelt, soon in touch, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 14, 4l behind River Falcon (8-8) at York 5f hcp (2) sft.
Texas Gold 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders over 3f, 8th of 9, 8l behind Avonbridge (9-5) at Newmarket 5f Grp 3 (1) gf in Apr.
Night Prospector 66-1 (9-5) Dwelt, keen, soon close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 10l behind Avonbridge (9-5) at Newmarket 5f Grp 3 (1) gf in Apr.
The Lord 15-2 (8-9) With leaders, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 5th of 14, 2l behind Fire Up The Band (9-0) at Chester 5f hcp (2) gs.
Cornus 40-1 (8-11) Disputed lead 1f, chased winner, ridden 2f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Nota Bene (8-11) at Newbury 6f 3yo lst stk (1) gf.
Whistler 20-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride and behind, soon pushed along, some late headway, never able to challenge, 7th of 14, 4 1/2l behind River Falcon (8-8) at York 5f hcp (2) sft.
Malapropism 50-1 (8-7) Always behind, 12th of 14, 8l behind Fire Up The Band (9-0) at Chester 5f hcp (2) gs.
Polish Emperor (USA) 11-4fav (8-13) Awkward leaving stalls, soon recovered to chase leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace over 1f out, 5th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Bishops Court (9-2) at Epsom 5f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Safari Sunset (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened final furlong, 9th of 11, 6l behind Chateau Istana (8-12) at Doncaster 5f 2yo Grp 2 (A1) gf in Sept.
Dancing Mystery 10-1 (9-6) In touch, ridden and led over 1f out, edged right and headed well inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 14, 3/4l behind Simpsons Mount (8-8) at Lingfield 5f hcp (4) gd.
Treasure Cay 5-1fav (9-7) Behind stand side, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, not reach leaders, 6th of 19, 3l behind Wanchai Lad (8-11) at Thirsk 5f hcp (4) gf.
