close up, ridden to challenge inside final 2f, weakened well inside final furlong
tracked leader, pressed leader from over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened quickly over 2f out
steadied start and settled in rear, not clear run from 3f out to over 1f out, hung left under pressure, no extra flat
steadied start, settled towards rear, ridden well over 2f out, stayed on under pressure, not troubled leaders
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression on leaders, soon beaten
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, unable to quicken and soon weakened
in touch on inner, ridden over 3f out, switched right 1f out to outer, ran on, never nearer
held up mid-division, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, driven out
soon led, hard pressed from 4f out, headed and hung left inside final furlong, no extra final 75 yards
behind, headway from 3f out, not clear run from 2f out to inside final furlong, switched right, ran on
Nonrunner
On the shortlist here are Grand Passion, Leporello, Forward Move, Big Bad Bob and Belenus, with the vote going to Grand Passion. Grand Passion has already won twice at this level and, despite the fact that he carries a penalty for such a success, his overall form makes him a danger to all, particularly now that his stable is running back into form. Leporello was only half-a-length behind Grand Passion at Sandown last time, and they meet on the same terms today. However, given that Leporello was returning for the season there, he is entitled to improve and is granted plenty of respect today. His stable companion Shot To Fame, though, needs to step up on what has been shown so far this season. Welcome Stranger's second to Hazyview at Windsor last time was a fair effort but, in keeping with a number of these, will need to show some improvement to score, but the lightly-raced Belenus's Hampton Court Stakes second last time brings him into the equation. Given that Forward Move was ahead of both Grand Passion and Leporello in the Sandown race referred to, he has to be seriously considered and, on official ratings, Big Bad Bob has to come into the reckoning, as, indeed, his recent form entitles him to, and his style of running should ensure that there is some pace to the contest. That's the summary, then, with the nod going to Grand Passion.
Grand Passion (IRE) 10-1 (9-8) Held up 3rd, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, no chance afterwards, 4th of 6, 7l behind David Junior (8-11) at Sandown 1m 2f lst stk (1) gd.
Big Bad Bob (IRE) 2-1 (9-9) Led steady pace, quickened over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Sabre d'Argent (9-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f stk (3) gf in Jun.
Counsel's Opinion (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Maraahel (9-1) at Chester 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gs in May.
Leporello (IRE) 11-2 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden 3f out, never able to trouble leaders, 5th of 6, 7l behind David Junior (8-11) at Sandown 1m 2f lst stk (1) gd.
Pawn Broker 66-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, weakened 2f out, 14th of 17, 12l behind Ace of Hearts (8-9) at Sandown 1m hcp (2) gf.
Shot To Fame (USA) 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened inside final 2f, last of 6, 8l behind Hazyview (9-8) at Windsor 1m lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Waverley (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Prominent, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 19, 1/2l behind Collier Hill (8-10) at Haydock 1m 4f hcp 0-110 (B) gd in Jul '03.
Welcome Stranger 10-1 (9-3) Dwelt, held up in touch, effort on outside and driven over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Hazyview (9-8) at Windsor 1m lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Belenus (IRE) 9-2 (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, headed inside furlong, no extra, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Indigo Cat (8-11) at York 1m 2f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in Jun.
Kings Quay (8-11) Prominent, joined leader over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 7l behind Pinson (8-11) at Longchamp 1m 1f Grp 3 gd in Jun.
Forward Move (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace, kept on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 5l behind David Junior (8-11) at Sandown 1m 2f lst stk (1) gd.
