chased leader, hard ridden 2f out, weakened quickly
led, strongly pressed 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out
bumped start, soon pushed along to chase leaders, pushed along halfway, soon one pace, hard driven 2f out, one pace in 4th inside final furlong, no impression
chased leaders 4f
chased leaders, strong challenge and every chance 2f out, still well there under pressure over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, not clear run and hampered just over 2f out, switched left soon after, ridden and stayed on to 2nd over 1f out, no impression on winner
held up last, good headway on outside over 2f out, soon challenging, led just inside final 2f, ran on strongly final furlong
held up in last pair, good headway on stands side rail over 1f out, stayed on to 3rd final furlong, never any chance with winner
chased leaders 4f
MARKAB drops in grade and is fancied to see off last-year's winner High Standing and Regal Parade. This looks an above average renewal and as such High Standing should have more on his plate than twelve months ago. He isn't ground dependant and with Ryan Moore back on-board is expected to run well. However Markab got to within two lengths of Equiano in the King's Stand on his first try at the minimum trip. He should appreciate a step back up in trip and with Equaino franking the form in the July Cup he looks sure to run a massive race. Doncaster Rover has been holding his form well and doesn't have much to find on a form line through Equiano if we take his run in April literally, Barney McGrew sprang a surprise at Newcastle when the track favoured front-runners on the rail, whilst Regal Parade fared ok in the Golden Jubilee and is now dropped in grade; any rain wouldn't be an issue. Angel's Pursuit and Edge Closer give Richard Hannon an outside chance of prize-money, with the former being of more interest, whilst Fravashi has plenty to prove on these shores. The vote is given to Markab.
Barney McGrew (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Made all, ridden 1f out, kept on well, driven out, won at Newcastle 6f Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun beating Himalya (9-3) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Markab 14-1 (9-4) Led center group, ridden and merged with stand side 2f out, chased winner entering final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Equiano (9-4) at Royal Ascot 5f Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.
Doncaster Rover (USA) 9-2 (9-3) In rear, ridden 2f out, headway entering final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Premio Loco (9-11) at Newmarket 7f Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
Edge Closer 4-1 (8-11) Prominent, led after 1f, ridden over 1f out, edged right and headed inside final furlong, soon hampered, no extra, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Genki (8-11) at Haydock 6f cond Stakes (2) gf.
Fravashi (AUS) 33-1 (9-4) Raced stands side, always in rear, ridden and beaten halfway, 23rd of 24, 20l behind Starspangledbanner (9-4) at Royal Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
High Standing (USA) 11-1 (9-4) Raced far side, held up, headway on outside of group under pressure 2f out, weakened just over 1f out, 19th of 24, 10l behind Starspangledbanner (9-4) at Royal Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Regal Parade 40-1 (9-4) Raced stands side, in touch on outside, pushed along halfway, soon no impression on leaders, 16th of 24, 9l behind Starspangledbanner (9-4) at Royal Ascot 6f Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Secret Asset (IRE) 2-1fav (9-5) Narrow lead on rail, edged left off rail over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened final 100 yards, 5th of 10, 3l behind Piscean (8-13) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Angel's Pursuit (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, challenged over 2f out, ridden and every chance when edged left 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, headed and no extra near finish, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Sir Gerry (9-4) at Salisbury 6f Listed stks (1) gf in Jun.
