RIO DE LA PLATA had Rajsaman half-a-length behind when runner-up to Excelebration in the Moulin here three weeks ago and that looks the best recent form on view, especially as the pair are genuine Group 1 performers. The Godolphin entire was also in front of that rival when they finished behind Frankel in the Sussex Stakes and should confirm the form. Set The Trend has a bit to make up on that pair on a line through Moulin fourth Dubawi Gold and Royal Bench looks well held. Zinabaa hasn't had much racing and is improving though he will need much more than he showed when landing a Deauville Group 3 in August and the hat-trick seeking Best Dating is in a similar category.
Rajsaman (FR) 11-1 (9-2) Midfield, ridden and ran on over 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Excelebration (8-11) at Longchamp(FR) 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in Sep.
Set The Trend 12-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, soon hard ridden, headed well inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Dubawi Gold (8-9) at Goodwood 1m Grp 2 (1) gs in Aug.
Zinabaa (FR) 14-1 (8-13) Prominent, chased leader over 1f out, ridden and ran on well final furlong, led near finish, won at Deauville(FR) 1m Grp 3 (1) sft in Aug beating Sandy's Charm (8-11) by shd, 9 ran.
Rio de La Plata (USA) 14-1 (9-2) Settled behind clear leader, led 2f out, headed before furlong pole, kept on, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Excelebration (8-11) at Longchamp(FR) 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in Sep.
Kings Canyon (FR) (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 16, 6l behind Iokastos (8-12) at Deauville(FR) 1m hcp sft in Aug.
Best Dating (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Struggled to go early pace, last and ridden 2f out, ran on well final furlong, got up close home, won at Longchamp(FR) 7f Grp 3 (1) sft in Sep beating Evaporation (8-11) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Royal Bench (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden and no impression from 2f out, 5th of 8, 6l behind Excelebration (8-11) at Longchamp(FR) 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in Sep.
Sandagiyr (FR) (8-7) Held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, never a factor, 7th of 8, 4l behind Vagabond Shoes (9-1) at Maisons-Laffitte(FR) 1m Grp 3 gd in Jul.
One Clever Cat (IRE) (8-10) Settled in midfield, quickened to take closer order 2f out, ridden and ran on well close home, won at Maisons-Laffitte(FR) 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gd in Sep beating Agent Secret (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Private Jet (FR) (9-2) Held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 9th of 12, 7l behind Sulle Orme (9-2) at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat(FR) 1m stk sft in Sep.
Evaporation (FR) 9-4fav (8-11) Keen in midfield, travelling well entering final furlong, ridden and led inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Best Dating (9-1) at Longchamp(FR) 7f Grp 3 (1) sft in Sep.
