steadied start, ridden and headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
with leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, faded entering final furlong
held up, not clear run on rails 2f out, squeezed through gap over 1f out, ridden to go 3rd entering final furlong, ran on, edged left towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
There may only be six going to post for this contest but it's a very competitive heat in which all can be given claims. Preference is for Hustle although support for Officer or Military Cross should be taken seriously. The selection was beaten on merit at Sandown but the winner is progressive and the race looked competitive. He's dropping back a furlong in trip this afternoon which should suit and may have enough improvement in him to defy a 2lb rise in the weights whilst his uncomplicated style of racing may enable him to get the run of the race. Officer hasn't been seen since winning comfortably over this trip in Abu Dhabi. He was ridden by Ryan Moore on that occasion and that may be significant as he now has his first run for the jockey's father. He showed progressive form for Sir Michael Stoute last season and may well have more to offer. The market will be informative with regard to his chances as a stablemate finished just behind the selection at Sandown. Military Cross has won one of his two starts for Luca Cumani but returns to action on a 5lb higher mark than when gaining that win at Lingfield in November. He's a talented horse but will need to be at the top of his game to give weight away all round. Mujood may be a shade high in the weights now but can't be ruled out whilst Prince Of Thebes is probably up against it in this company but has dropped to an attractive mark following a winless 2007. Orchard Supreme is the Hannon second string but was only beaten eight lengths in the Hunt Cup and has to enter calculations on the back of that effort but we'll be hoping that Hustle can get the better of his elders this afternoon.
Military Cross 14-1 (8-13) Held up mid-division, headway on inside 2f out, ridden to lead and edged right inside final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov beating Troubadour (8-13) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Mujood 100-1 (8-8) In touch until weakened quickly from 3f out, 23rd of 29, 31l behind Mr Aviator (9-5) at Royal Ascot 1m hcap (2) gf.
Orchard Supreme 50-1 (8-5) Behind, kept on final 2f, never nearer, 9th of 29, 8l behind Mr Aviator (9-5) at Royal Ascot 1m hcap (2) gf.
Prince Of Thebes (IRE) 16-1 (8-5) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear on outside, headway over 2f out, chased leaders until weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 9l behind Little White Lie (8-13) at Epsom 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) gd.
Officer (9-1) Soon led, ridden clear over 1f out, comfortably, won at Abu Dhabi 1m hcp gf in Feb beating Better Mix (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Hustle (IRE) 11-1 (9-9) Tracked leader 2f, mistake 3rd, ridden 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Steele Tango (9-9) at Sandown 1m 1f 3yo hcp (3) gd.
