tracked leaders, soon 3rd, pushed along before straight, no extra and one pace from over 1f out
led, pushed along from 3f out, headed 2f out, no extra final furlong
waited with towards rear, still travelling smoothly between horses early straight and tight for room, switched right over 1f out to outer, ran on well without threatening inside final furlong into 4th near line
soon raced in 5th, closed travelling smoothly between horses straight, pushed along under 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong and kept on without threatening
soon raced in 2nd, closed up from 4f out, travelling smoothly and led 2f out, soon pushed along, asserted and stayed on well inside final furlong
tracked leaders, soon 4th on inner, pushed along before straight, slightly impeded over 1f out, kept on without threatening inside final furlong
a little awkward leaving stalls and slowly into stride, towards rear and raced on outer, pushed along to chase leaders from 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
soon raced in 6th, pushed along and effort from 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
Irish-based winners have been thin on the ground in recent years - 2011 was their last victory - but Magical will be a warm order after chasing home Enable in the Eclipse and Yorkshire Oaks. Aidan O'Brien's filly, already a dual Group 1 winner, is an obvious threat to all but there could be better value elsewhere. Roger Charlton won the race two years ago with Decorated Knight and Headman is a worthy challenger after two Group 2 victories in France, though some rain would aid his cause. Mark Johnston's Elarqam, a Group 2 winner in the Sky Bet Stakes at York, did even better back on the Knavesmire when just over a length behind Japan and Crystal Ocean in the Juddmonte while Madhmoon, who is 3-4 around here, has gradually worked his way back to form and can reverse Epsom running with Anthony Van Dyck over this shorter trip. The Japan raider DEIRDRE gained a surprise victory in the Nassau Stakes where she stayed on powerfully off a strong gallop to snatch the spoils. Providing the going doesn't ease, she's a sporting choice to see off better-fancied rivals again.
Elarqam 8-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Japan (8-13) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Aug.
Hunting Horn (IRE) 13-1 (9-0) Prs2w5/8,3w1/4,wkn1/8, 8th of 9, 10 3/4l behind Bricks And Mortar (9-0) at Arlington 1m 2f stks gd in Aug.
Deirdre (JPN) 20-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway on inner over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Goodwood 1m 2f Grp 1 fll stks (1) gd in Aug beating Mehdaayih (8-13) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Magic Wand (IRE) 17-2 (8-11) Pocket,2w bid,kept on, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Bricks And Mortar (9-0) at Arlington 1m 2f stks gd in Aug.
Magical (IRE) 4-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, took closer order over 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, kept on under pressure, not pace of winner, 2nd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Enable (9-7) at York 1m 4f Grp 1 fll (1) gd in Aug.
Anthony Van Dyck (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders on inside, pushed along inside final 5f, weakened over 3f out, behind and eased final 2f, 10th of 11, dist behind Enable (9-4) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 1 stks (1) gs in Jul.
Headman (9-2) won at Deauville 1m 2f Grp 2 stks (1) sft in Aug beating Roman Candle (9-2) by hd, 6 ran.
Madhmoon (IRE) 4-7fav (9-0) Dwelt and slowly into stride, soon raced towards rear, 6th halfway, pushed along in 5th under 2f out, closed 1f out, ridden to lead final 150 yards, kept on well, won at Leopardstown 1m Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Aug beating Zuenoon (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
