mid-division, ridden halfway, hung left 2f out, soon weakened
led after 1f, ridden over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, ran on
prominent, ridden over 2f out, chased winner from over 1f out, stayed on
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
switched left after 2f, always behind
in touch, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
led 1f, prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
started slowly, always behind
Illustrious Blue holds fairly obvious claims on the evidence of three previous runs and is taken to gain a deserved first success at the main expense of Hawks Home and Marronnier. The last mentioned has shown gradual improvement in three outings so far and may improve again for tackling a soft surface for the first time that he is bred to appreciate. Michael Bell's Tagula gelding Tay Bridge is an interesting newcomer, while Gift Aid needs to improve on his debut effort to trouble the selection. David Barron's Find It Out would probably want a faster surface and of more interest may be Hawks Home, although Godolphin's colt is not certain to handle the conditions. The ground should not be a problem to Illustrious Blue though as Jamie Osborne's colt has shown his liking for the ground and a reproduction of his best form should suffice.
Find It Out (USA) Luhuk colt, half-brother to 6f-1m winner Imperial Saddle and 5f winner Cabrera.
Gift Aid 20-1 (8-11) Slowly away and always behind, 14th of 15, 19l behind Tufton (9-0) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug.
Hawks Home (USA) 16-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway from 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach leaders, better for race, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Familiar Territory (9-0) at Salisbury 1m 2yo mdn (5) gs in Aug.
Illustrious Blue 9-2 (8-12) Chased leader, led 4f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Youmzain (8-12) at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Marronnier (IRE) 40-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 5l behind The Visualiser (9-0) at Beverley 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Aug.
Minthare (IRE) 100-1 (8-4) Dwelt, towards rear stands' side, kept on inside final furlong, 7th of 15, 9l behind Luna Landing (8-7) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) gd in Jul.
Qualify 22-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, outpaced in rear, strong headway final furlong but no danger, 8th of 13, 8l behind Right Ted (8-9) at Folkestone 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Aug.
Stellenbosch (USA) 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, always behind, 15th of 16, 8l behind Suzy Bliss (8-9) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Tay Bridge (IRE) Tagula gelding out of an unraced mare.
Valley Parader 33-1 (9-0) Chased leaders to halfway, soon behind, 13th of 15, 15l behind European Dream (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) sft in Aug.
Posthaste High Estate filly, half-sister to 5f-6f winner Polar Mist.
Sunny Parkes 8-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden when not clear run over 1f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 8l behind Stainley (9-0) at Chester 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
