prominent in centre, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders on stand side, quickened into lead inside final furlong, ran on well
led for 2f in centre, prominent until weakened over 1f out
held up on stand side, ridden over 2f out, no impression until stayed on final furlong
held up in centre, headway over 1f out, no impression final furlong
behind on stand side, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders in centre, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders in centre, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders on stand side, kept on
prominent in centre, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on but not pace of winner
outpaced in rear in centre early, stayed on from over 1f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, behind in centre, headway 3f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders on stand side, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
slowly into stride, always towards rear on stand side
raced alone on far side, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division in centre, weakened over 1f out
prominent in centre, led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace
The draw has proved inconclusive towards a bias so far. So a chance is taken that a position on the stands' side will not hinder Imperial Echo, who make slightly more appeal than Royal Challenge at the likely prices. There are a host of dangers though and money for any of: Buy On The Red, Jimmy Ryan and Treasure Cay will be very interesting. Green Manalishi should also not be underestimated as he returns to his own age group having found himself held at Ascot last time. That was a much tougher race than this and he cannot be ruled out of reaching the frame despite top weight today. Kieren Fallon's decision to partner Royal Challenge virtually assures that the Royal Applause colt will come in for a large share of support. He has already swept aside some of today's rivals and has to be factored into any betting plans as he is a prime candidate to lead them all home on the far side. However, assuming that the prices permit a few corners to be covered, a spilt-stakes play including Imperial Echo is recommended. The David Barron-trained colt ran a blinder in an open age event last time and a similar effort will make him hard to beat if the near side hold any advantage as things unfold.