led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on one pace
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out
tracked leader, not much room over 2f out, soon switched right, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
in touch in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, joined leaders over 3f out, soon edged left, led over 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, ran on
Aidan O'Brien has won four of the last six renewals and relies on St Nicholas Abbey from a strong five-day entry. The 2009 Racing Post Trophy winner flopped in the 2000 Guineas last year but bounced back to land the Ormonde Stakes in emphatic style though he's up against a genuine Group 1 performer here in MIDDAY. Henry Cecil's wonderful mare, beaten a head by Sariska in the 2009 Oaks, has already won five times at this exalted level and looked as good as ever when returning to land the Middleton Stakes at York. Dandino began his handicap career off a mark of 77 and is now on 113 though he won't be seen in handicaps again after his defeat of Cecil's Native Ruler and his own stablemate Indian Days in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket. Clowance is a classy performer on her day but her best form has been on ground with some give.
Dandino 7-4fav (8-11) Tracked leader, led 3f out, soon pressed, ridden over 2f out, driven and headed briefly towards finish, ran on, gamely, won at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Apr beating Native Ruler (8-12) by ns, 6 ran.
Indian Days 13-2 (9-1) In touch in rear, headway 4f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Dandino (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Apr.
St Nicholas Abbey (IRE) 11-8 (9-0) Tracked leading trio, went 2nd inside final 3f, came wide to lead over 1f out, quickened well clear final furlong, very easily, won at Chester 1m 5f Grp 3 (1) gf in May beating Allied Powers (9-0) by 9l, 5 ran.
Clowance (8-12) 10th of 16, 9l behind Rio De La Plata (9-1) at Capannelle(ITY) 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) sft in Nov.
Midday 11-10fav (9-3) In touch, headway to chase leader 2f out, soon ridden, led inside final furlong, asserted near finish, won at York 1m 2f fll Grp 2 stks (1) gd in May beating Sajjhaa (8-12) by 2l, 8 ran.