dwelt, raced in rear, switched left over 2f out, ridden and stayed on well to 3rd closing stages, not trouble leaders
missed break, soon tracked clear leader, progress after 1f, led narrowly after 2f, disputed halfway, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out where edged right, headed final 150 yards, kept on same pace
chased leader, 4th halfway, progress 1 1/2f out, soon switched right, headway to lead final 150 yards, kept on well
chased leader, 3rd halfway, dropped to 4th and under pressure 1 1/2f out, weakened final furlong
Merchants Quay started a short-priced favourite here a fortnight ago but had no answer to stable companion Admiral Nelson. The winner didn't boost the form at Royal Ascot but the extra furlong will be a bonus and he holds sixth-placed Irish Chief on that run. ALEX D made a promising start in what looked a very strong maiden at Naas, where Royal Ascot winner Battleground was behind, and looks the one to beat with progress guaranteed. Arctician cost £70,000 and is the first foal of an unraced mare from a very smart family while Mulgrave is a half-brother to the useful Dadoozdart.
Alex D 12-1 (9-2) Settled behind leaders, 7th halfway, ridden 2f out, stayed on into 4th 1f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 18, 1l behind Lucky Vega (9-2) at Naas 6f mdn gf in Jun.
Arctician (IRE) Dark Angel colt out of Atlantic Drift.
Irish Chief (USA) 12-1 (9-2) Mid-division on near side, ridden 2f out, no extra over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 6l behind Admiral Nelson (9-2) at Curragh 5f mdn gf in Jun.
Merchants Quay (FR) 11-10fav (9-2) Prominent, disputed halfway, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, pressed inside final furlong, headed last 150 yards, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Admiral Nelson (9-2) at Curragh 5f mdn gf in Jun.
Mulgrave (IRE) Mehmas colt out of Hairpin.