in touch, slight hampered after 3f, effort and not clear run inside final 2f, switched left over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, just failed
raced in 4th, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
disputed lead, definite advantage 4f out, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in 5th, slightly hampered after 3f, pushed along 4f out, ridden to press winner just inside final 2f, kept on one pace well inside final furlong
dwelt, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced and beaten
tracked leaders, slightly hampered after 3f, effort going well to lead 2f out, soon hard pressed, held on gamely under pressure near finish
tracked leaders, ridden along from 5f out, not clear run 3f out, switched right to inside and kept on from over 1f out
tracked leading pair, ridden 3f out, weakened quickly over 1f out and eased
disputed lead to 4f out, weakened 2f out
held up in rear, hard ridden over 3f out, soon struggling
The Gordon Stakes has the look of a St Leger rehearsal, with Let Me Try Again, High Accolade, Hawk Flyer and Phoenix Reach all being aimed at the Town Moor Classic, and it is Hawk Flyer who gets the vote here. This always goes to an improving sort, and indeed Millenary scored three years ago prior to his St Leger victory, while last year's winner Bandari went on to finish third at Doncaster. High Accolade was a disappointing five-length sixth when tackling the older horses in the Princess Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket last time, but had previously reeled of a hat-trick of successes, including the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, and providing it does not rain, will be a big threat. Let Me Try Again finished seventh in the Vodafone Derby and will be staying on again at the finish. He definitely would not want fast going so the recent rain that has taken the jar out of the ground will make conditions perfect for him. Dubai Success and Phoenix Reach fall into the improver category so neither should be disgraced, but we reckon that Hawk Flyer can come out on top. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute whose latest success in this Group 3 contest was with Alexius two years ago, Hawk Flyer took the Woodcote Stud Classified Stakes at Ascot on his latest outing when he was not really suited by the steady pace and had to be rousted up by Kieren Fallon to prevail. Described as a lazy individual at home, a bit like stablemate Kris Kin really, he will excel over further judged by his style of running and may go to York for the Great Voltigeur before tackling the Leger, depending on how he fares here. Hawk Flyer is selected in a decent renewal.
