held up in 4th and always going well, smooth headway to lead 2f out, pushed clear final furlong, comfortably
led, pushed along and headed 2f out, hung left and weakened over 1f out
tracked leading pair, challenged 2f out, 2nd soon after, ridden and held when edged left over 1f out, kept on for clear 2nd
tracked leader, every chance approaching final 2f, lost 2nd inside final 2f, ridden in 3rd and beaten over 1f out
Mr Scaramanga has the edge over Frankuus on both official ratings and form. The Hannon colt finished a half-length in front of the latter when fourth in the Chesham at Ascot though both have been beaten in pattern races since. Amabilis also has the measure of Argenterie on their latest running in maiden company at Goodwood when the former finished runner-up to Ballydoyle’s Rhododendron. But though considered short of being fully primed by Hugo Palmer, ESCOBAR still made a winning start over the course and distance last month and with further progress expected and Frankie taking over the reins, the 285,000 euros purchase gets the vote.
Escobar (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, towards rear, smooth headway 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ridden and stayed on well, won at Newbury 7f mdn stks (4) gf in Jul beating Devil's Bridge (9-5) by 2l, 14 ran.
Frankuus (IRE) 11-2 (9-3) Tracked leader until halfway, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, driven and unable to quicken over 1f out, stayed on well in closing stages, not quite get up, 3rd of 9, 1/4l behind Apex King (9-3) at Ascot 7f lst stks (1) gf in Jul.
Mr Scaramanga 16-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 5 3/4l behind Boynton (9-1) at Newmarket 7f Grp 2 stks (1) gf in Jul.
Amabilis 7-4 (9-0) Held up in mid-division, smooth headway on inside, tracking leaders over 2f out, led inside final 2f, headed and not quicken inside final 150 yards, kept on for 2nd, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Rhododendron (9-0) at Goodwood 7f mdn fll stks (2) gf in Jul.
Argenterie 66-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, towards rear, pushed along and headway on inside over 2f out, chased leaders 2f out, ridden and stayed on into 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2 3/4l behind Rhododendron (9-0) at Goodwood 7f mdn fll stks (2) gf in Jul.
