tracked leader to 4f out, weakened over 2f out, eased when no chance over 1f out
disputed 3rd, got through on inside rail over 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well
held up in rear, pushed along and headway on outside straight, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden straight, weakened 2f out
disputing 3rd on outside, tracked leader 4f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, gradually lost touch, tailed off
took keen hold, held up, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
in touch on outer, effort to chase leaders 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Birkspiel is selected to get the better of Orcadian and Frank Sonata, with Admiral's Cruise and Self Defense worth a mention. Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain obviously likes a gamble, and after winning a hefty sum playing poker last year she had the ammunition to buy Birkspiel who since joining Simon Dow has won a Group 3 at Bremen. The five-year-old then ran third in Group 2 company in Cologne, showing on both occasions that he can handle soft ground. This will be the son of Singspiel's first outing on these shores, but the fact is that he is a Group horse in a Listed race, and can give his soccerbabe owner yet more success. Orcadian threw away a winning chance in the Chester Cup thanks to some wayward antics, but redeemed himself with a fair effort when third in the Yorkshire Cup last week. He has been in action over hurdles as well, and will be staying on at the finish here. Frank Sonata is another that really needs further, but he has won two Listed races and goes in the ground so has to be respected. At the weights, Admiral's Cruise has a chance of finishing in front of Orcadian based on their meeting in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in April, and connections have been patient with him. His performance here will determine whether or not he is good enough to return for the Hardwicke Stakes next month, and he is another danger. Self Defense is not getting any younger but may get involved under these conditions as well. All in all, we reckon that the class of Birkspiel will prove decisive.
Birkspiel (GER) 13-10fav (8-11) Led 2f out, kept on when soon headed, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind All Spirit (8-11) at Cologne 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) sft.
Akarem 20-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Hamilton 1m 4f lst hcp (1) gd beating Ouninpohja (9-7) by a nk, 6 ran.
Frank Sonata (8-11) In touch, ran on under pressure straight, 2nd of 11, 5l behind Bussoni (8-11) at Baden-Baden 2m Grp 3 (1) gd.
Orcadian 7-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Percussionist (8-12) at York 1m 6f Grp 2 (1) sft.
Acropolis (IRE) 10-3 (9-0) Held up in touch, effort over 1f out, beaten when hung left inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 6l behind Mubtaker (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) gd in Sept.
Admiral's Cruise (USA) 4-1 (8-13) Always prominent, led over 2f out, ran on strongly, won at Newmarket 1m 4f stk (2) gd beating Palomar (8-13) by 3l, 6 ran.
Maktub (ITY) 2-1fav (8-10) Led, headed over 6f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened and eased, last of 7, well behind Compton Bolter (8-10) at Newmarket 1m 4f stk (2) gs in May '05.
Profit's Reality (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, not much room over 2f out, kept on again inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Akarem (9-4) at Hamilton 1m 4f lst hcp (1) gd.
Self Defense 16-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, ridden to changelle over 2f out, soon one paced, 4th of 7, 6l behind Shirocco (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) sft.
