made most, set steady pace, increased pace from 3f out, ridden and hung left from over 1f out when pressed, ran on and always looked to hold rival
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong
close up in last place, ridden 2f out, no impression
led early, tracked winner, ridden to challenge over 1f out, carried left throughout final furlong and struck on head by rivals whip twice, ran on but always looked held
Sadly just the four starters for this valuable contest and it presents an opportunity for SKY LANTERN to show that this year's Classic generation can cut the mustard against their elders. Richard Hannon's filly was imperious at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes and hopes will be high that the 1,000 Guineas heroine can continue on an upward curve. Globetrotting Giofra won this race last year and has gone on to be placed in a number of the top races throughout the world, while Elusive Kate was far from disgraced in the Queen Anne Stakes on her belated reappearance. A winner of two Group 1 prizes in France, John Gosden's four-year-old should not be underestimated. Purr Along is a Group 3 winner though she has a fair bit to find upon what she has done so far.
Elusive Kate (USA) 15-2 (8-11) Prominent, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 4th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Declaration Of War (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Giofra 11-4fav (8-12) 4th of 9, 4l behind Pastorius (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Purr Along 25-1 (9-0) In rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and one pace inside final furlong, 8th of 17, 10l behind Sky Lantern (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Sky Lantern (IRE) 9-2fav (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway on outer over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, quickened inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating Kenhope (9-0) by 4l, 17 ran.
