took keen hold, restrained and held up in rear, ridden 2f out, soon no impression
tracked clear leader, ridden to take narrow lead inside final furlong, soon driven and headed, kept on, no chance with winner
took keen hold early, tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken
held up in 4th, effort and going easily to lead inside final furlong, quickened clear, impressive
soon lead and set good pace, 6 lengths after 2f, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
This looks a good renewal, with both last years winner and runner-up again doing battle, along with a dual Guineas winner. The three-year-olds have won this event 32 times out of the 42 runnings and Rock Of Gibraltar, the winner of five Group 1s, is as tough as they come and can prove too strong for his elders. Noverre, so impressive when landing this event last year, will prove a tough nut to crack. At his best on fast ground, he has a right turn of foot and if the Rock is anything other than at his best, Noverre will be there to take advantage. No Excuse Needed, has yet to strike in a Group 1, but he has several high class efforts to his name, noteably when runner-up to Noverre here last year. He comes here in good form, having won the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting, but he has a little to find with Noverre and third spot looks the best he can hope for. Sahara Desert ran better than his final placing suggests in the July Cup, but he looks as though he will be used as the pacemaker, while Shoal Creek, who is useful in his own right, may prefer softer group and Reel Buddy, who has yet to tackle this trip, could have chose an easier option to see whether he stays or not.
