in touch, pushed along and headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed post
tracked leader, led 2f out, soon headed, weakening when hampered inside final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, not trouble leaders
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never on terms
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
raced wide close up, ridden and weakened over 1f out
dwelt in rear, switched wide and headway 2f out, soon led and hung right, ridden and headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead again post
close up, pushed along over 2f out, keeping on same pace when hampered over 1f out
Valcartier has a major claim at his best but the last two performances have been lacklustre and he is best watched here unless there's money for him in spades. Godolphin also field Big Tour who has not been seen since last October when unplaced at Musselburgh, since when he has been gelded. He had previously been in sparkling form and is worthy of close inspection on this return to the track. Wahash is useful but has yet to win on turf, whilst stable companion Contrast is one to note as the 2f drop in trip should suit well. However, we'll take a chance with the unexposed POWER OF DARKNESS who scored with plenty in hand when landing a course maiden and looks the type to improve considerably with more experience. George and Aquarium could also be involved.
Wahash (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Led stands side group, prominent when groups merged over 4f out, driven over 2f out, soon ridden and lost place, beaten final furlong, 5th of 7, 6 1/2l behind Pouvoir Magique (8-4) at Newbury 1m hcp (2) gf in May.
Big Tour (IRE) 3-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 12, 12 1/4l behind Muntadab (9-5) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (2) sft in Oct.
Valcartier (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Taken to post early, raced wide tracked leaders, went to race alone centre 7f out, prominent, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 9l behind Aclimatise (8-13) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Contrast (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and close up 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 11, 9 1/2l behind Thundering Blue (9-0) at York 1m 2f hcp (2) gf in May.
Mr Top Hat 11-2 (9-1) Keen led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Rum Runner (8-11) at Sandown 7f hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Bombastic (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Raced keenly, led, hung left on bend and headed halfway, pressed leader, led again inside final 2f until over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 10, 3 3/4l behind Danceteria (8-13) at Sandown 1m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Aquarium 11-1 (9-7) Dwelt, held up towards rear, headway when not much room briefly over 1f out, stayed on, went 4th towards finish, no impression, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Lethal Lunch (9-2) at Haydock 7f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Power of Darkness 2-1 (9-2) Keen tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, ran on, won at Salisbury 7f stks (5) gf in Jun beating King's Slipper (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
George (IRE) 15-2 (9-1) Tracked leader, pushed along 3f out, ridden to press leader from over 1f out, driven to lead towards finish, won at Goodwood 1m hcp (4) gf in Jun beating Tadleel (9-6) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
