in touch, effort and driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway on standside 2f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
made most to just inside final 2f, weakened quickly over 1f out
pressed leaders over 5f
held up in rear, driven along over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
held up in mid-division, ridden and beaten 2f out
took keen hold, held up towards rear, kept on under pressure from over 1f out, never reached leaders
held up in rear, headway on standside from over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
held up in touch, steady headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong
pressed leaders, driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, narrowly just inside final 2f, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner and lost 2nd well inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders
Those without winning form with cut in the ground are in the minority for this Group 3 contest but the selection of Polar Way is made on the assumption that he has the class to cope with the underfoot conditions today. There are a host of dangers, including: Babodana, Suggestive and Makhlab, who are closely matched on what they have shown this season and have the capabilities to make this a stern test. While Quito is as tough as they come and should make a bold bid to land his veteran trainer another big-race prize. Just James is much better than he has consented to display this season but he has a 5lb Group-race penalty to shoulder and looks opposable on ground that may be a little more testing than he cares for. Chic and Rum Shot also have to prove that they can handle a testing surface and may be best watched this afternoon, while Duck Row may be slightly better over further and is also left alone, despite the fact that Lisa Jones will be going hell-for-leather in a bid to make her first ride in a Group race a winning one. By way of contrast, Babodana has the best of the draw and are sure conditions to suit him. His yard have been back amongst the winners and a bold bid looks assured. The same has to be said of Suggestive, who edged out Makhlab in a Listed race at Haydock in June and, he has every chance of increasing his haul from what has already been a good campaign for him. However, Polar Way, who won at this level in Ireland in 2002, has been very lightly raced since then and, as his effort at Goodwood proved, he still retains plenty of ability. Having won of soft ground over course and distance as a juvenile, the going description should not be a problem for him and, as Polar Way is also a good bit fresher than most of these, he is fancied to take all the beating today
