led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
pulled hard tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace and no impression
tracked leader, driven to challenge 3f out, soon under pressure, stayed on same pace, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, good progress over 2f out, driven to lead just over 1f out, ran on well
Opus Maximus is the percentage call in a race that could prove to be something of a minefield for punters despite the small turn out but it may well be worth giving another chance to MANASSAS with Aspectus the other of interest. Dajen goes well for this jockey but has something to prove on fast ground and he showed little last time whilst Hazzard County has never been one to rely on when the chips are down. Aspectus made his debut for the yard in a conditions race won by Rio De La Plata and should find this company more to his liking but he didn't do enough on that debut for Jamie Osborne to be backed with any confidence. Opus Maximus beat Hazzard County by a neck over course and distance in May and has performed with credit since, including in a far stronger race at Sandown last time, but it may be worth taking a chance with Manassas who won the consolation race for the Lincoln last season and has kept decent company ever since. He's finished well down the field in all three starts this season but is faced by his easiest opportunity for some time and Manassas may be able to make the most of the opening.
Aspectus (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 20l behind Rio De La Plata (9-1) at Nottingham 1m cond Stakes (2) gf in Jun.
Manassas (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Raced far side, tracked leader, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 15th of 29, 15l behind Invisible Man (8-9) at Royal Ascot 1m hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Opus Maximus (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Tracked leading quartett, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 17, 8l behind Black Spirit (8-8) at Sandown 1m hcp (2) gf.
Dajen 11-2 (8-8) Raced wide, in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out, 9th of 11, 19l behind Ezdeyaad (9-7) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jun.
Hazzard County (USA) 11-4fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest at finish, 4th of 10, 7l behind Ela Gorrie Mou (9-2) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jun.
