chased leaders, not quicken over 1f out, stayed on one pace
started slowly, settled rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong to close on leaders, nearest finish
behind, struggling 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
started slowly, behind, ridden over 1f out, no impression on leaders, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong without troubling leaders
led to well over 1f out, stayed chasing winner, held when hampered and checked on rail well inside final furlong
held up, raced on outer, ridden over 2f out, steady progress over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, closed near finish
held up mid-division far rail, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders
led until headed well over 1f out, gradually weakened
close up, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on under pressure, edged right well inside final furlong, held on well close home, driven out
Hoh Mike is unbeaten here and has leading claims but this race has twice gone to the Classic generation in the last three years and Ancien Regime may be able to provide them with another victory. This is a step up in class for the selection but he has always been held in high regard and is improving with experience. He has shown a tendency to pull too hard in the past but there was a lot to like about his latest effort in a York handicap that has been won by Group-class horses in the past. Hoh Mike didn't really fire on his first two runs this season but he was only beaten a length and three quarters in the King's Stand and is clearly well suited by the stiff uphill finish here. Granted a fast pace and luck in running, he looks sure to go close. Wi Dud was second in last year's renewal but has plenty to prove on this season's evidence; he's been given a break and would have claims if returning at the top of his game. Intrepid Jack is drawn low and needs to pull out a little more as does Prime Defender but Peace Offering has gone well fresh in the past and is not without claims whilst Moorhouse Lad is entitled to come on for his reappearance. For the winner, though, we'll come back to Ancien Regime.
Rowe Park 10-1 (9-10) Dwelt, towards rear, no progress over 1f out, soon beaten, 8th of 10, 4l behind Stoneacre Lad (9-3) at Kempton 5f lst stk (1) pol in Jun.
Hoh Mike (IRE) 22-1 (9-4) Dwelt, held up in rear, edged right and kept on under pressure inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 5th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Equiano (8-12) at Royal Ascot 5f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Intrepid Jack 6-1fav (9-7) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 10th of 27, 3 1/2l behind Big Timer (9-2) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gf in Jun.
Matsunosuke 100-1 (9-4) Always behind far side, ridden halfway, soon struggling, last of 13, 12l behind Equiano (8-12) at Royal Ascot 5f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Off The Record 16-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 16th of 27, 7l behind Big Timer (9-2) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gf in Jun.
Peace Offering (IRE) 12-1 (9-11) Never nearer than mid-division, 12th of 17, 8l behind Benbaun (9-11) at Longchamp 5f Grp 1 (1) gs in Oct.
Prime Defender 22-1 (9-8) Mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened approaching final furlong, 19th of 27, 9l behind Big Timer (9-2) at Ascot 6f hcp 0-110 (2) gf in Jun.
Wi Dud 16-1 (9-7) Chased leaders until weakened over 1f out, 14th of 17, 11l behind Assertive (9-7) at York 6f Grp 2 (1) gf in May.
Day By Day (8-13) Chased leader, one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 11, 3l behind Stern Opinion (9-0) at Chantilly 5f lst stk sft in Jun.
Ancien Regime (IRE) 5-1fav (9-6) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, some headway, stayed on, 3rd of 19, 2l behind Brave Prospector (9-0) at York 6f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Jun.
Moorhouse Lad 33-1 (9-4) Chased leaders far side, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 11th of 13, 7l behind Equiano (8-12) at Royal Ascot 5f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Stoneacre Lad (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, quickened to lead just over 1f out, soon clear, ridden out readily, won at Kempton 5f lst stk (1) pol in Jun beating Cake (8-5) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
