pressed leader, led over 3f out, hard driven and headed just over 2f out, soon weakened
raced in 5th, ridden and weakened inside final 2f
keen, tracked leaders, taken wide to centre course, driven to challenge and every chance 2f out, unable to quicken final furlong
held in rear, still last 2f out, headway and switched right over 1f out, kidded along to lead last 150 yards, held on well
held up, effort 2f out, every chance 1f out, looked reluctant and not quickenednear finish
narrow lead, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
dwelt, held up in rear, effort when short of room over 1f out, soon switched right, ran on well inside final furlong to take 2nd, not reach winner
settled in 6th place, effort on bit 2f out, still every chance over 1f out, weakened quickly and short of room entering final furlong
tracked leaders, led just over 2f out, headed last 150 yards, found no extra near finish
Zafeen put up a career best effort in landing the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and gets in here with another great chance against fellow three-year-olds and upwards. He gets the vote to maintain that form and win again, with Trade Fair, Kalaman and Where Or When the main dangers in a decent renewal. The major concern with Zafeen is the ground, with rain having eased it to good, when he would ideally have preferred faster. However, it should hopefully not blunt his speed too much, and he should get a clear run here, which he has not always had in the past. With that granted, he can score. Kalaman was beaten a length by Zafeen at Ascot and reopposes here on the same terms. Many felt that Sir Michael Stoute's charge was unlucky last time out and that he will turn the tables. However, apart from a bit of bad luck, there were no real excuses and Zafeen looks likely to be able to match or better any improvement from the Kalanisi colt. Where Or When is a real pro and took a Group 1 at Ascot himself last September. However, he has been well beaten on both his starts so far this term and while he has the ability, he really could not be backed with any confidence judged on recent form. Meanwhile Trade Fair steps up in both class and trip here, and it will be very interesting to see how he goes. The Zafonic colt should definitely get home, though faster ground would have helped him even more, while there is no reason why he should not be able to finish among the money in this grade, though we prefer the more seasoned and consistent Zafeen to produce the goods and take his second Group 1.
