held up towards rear, headway on outside inside final 2f, edged left, kept on well inside final furlong to lead near finish
led early, tracked leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, edged left and headed near finish
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, held when not much room and eased close home
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, not troubled leaders after
slowly into stride, chased leaders, hampered 4f out, ran on and no danger after
chased leaders, carried head high final 2f, soon ridden, no response
took keen hold in rear, always behind
held up towards rear, hanging left over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no chance
This looks a tricky finale but TWILIGHT STAR looks the form choice ahead of Stanley Goodspeed and Sam's Cross. The selection caught the eye when finishing second to Northern Spy over a mile and one furlong. He steps back down in trip which ought to be in favour and with conditions to suit he will not be far away come the business end of the race. Stanley Goodspeed has not won for nearly three years now but he has dropped in the weights as a result. His recent form only looks average and a place is as good as be expected. Sam's Cross won well at Brighton last time out in first time blinkers and tongue tie. Epsom is often compared with Brighton in the fact that there are sharp undulations. Having coped well at Brighton he has every chance of translating that form at this venue. However Twighlight Star looks potentially well treated and is the preferred pick.
Spirit of Sharjah (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Held up in touch, ridden over 1f out, no extra, 6th of 15, 4l behind Smarty Socks (9-2) at York 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Guilded Warrior 9-1 (9-6) In touch, driven and slightly outpaced 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, never nearer, 4th of 9, 6l behind The Cayterers (9-1) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun.
Twilight Star (IRE) 11-4 (9-13) Awkward start, slowly into stride, in rear, came stands side over 2f out, headway to chase winner 2f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Northern Spy (9-1) at Epsom Downs 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Pippbrook Gold 11-2 (9-2) Stumbled leaving stalls, soon tracking leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, keeping on when hampered and checked on rail 1f out, soon eased, 12th of 13, 10l behind Sarah Park (9-2) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Jun.
Compton's Eleven 4-1fav (9-4) Mid-division, pushed along 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge, 5th of 9, 3l behind Support Fund (9-7) at Epsom Downs 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Stanley Goodspeed 5-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride in rear, ridden over 3f out, ran on final furlong, not reached leaders, 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Support Fund (9-7) at Epsom Downs 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Sam's Cross (IRE) 4-5fav (9-5) Held up, headway and switched right approaching final furlong, ridden to lead well inside final furlong, readily, won at Brighton 6f sell stks (6) fm beating Come On Buckers (8-13) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Young Dottie 9-2 (9-4) Chaser leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 11, 2 3/4l behind All For You (8-12) at Lingfield 7f 3yo fll hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Ravi River (IRE) 4-6fav (9-9) Took keen hold early, soon tracking leading pair, effort on inside 2f out, soon ridden and left behind by winner, clear 2nd best, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Ryedale Ovation (8-10) at Kempton 7f clm stks (6) pol in Apr.
