chased leaders stand side, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
led far side, hung right and joined stands side over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on
led stands side, headed over 1f out, one pace under pressure
towards rear stands side, never dangerous
towards rear stands side, never dangerous
in touch stands side, ridden halfway, soon weakened
dwelt towards rear stands side, never dangerous
chased leaders stands side, no extra approaching final furlong
prominent far side, hung right and joined stand side group over 1f out, no impression
mid-division stands side, ridden halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
towards rear stands side never dangerous
towards far side, left 2nd over 1f out, no impression
prominent stands side, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
prominent far side, left in lead of group over 1f out, no impression
towards rear stand side, ridden halfway, headway entering final furlong, kept on towards finish
Royal Ascot may have its fair share of Continental raiders but Newcastle has attracted a Scandinavian talent named Steve's Champ, and despite a stopper of ten stone five, he is nominated to fend off the challenge of the home brigade, headed by Barney McGrew, Blue Tomato and Fathom Five. The eight-year-old Steve's Champ is an admirable type and thoroughly consistent, a dual Listed winner and able to handle soft and fast ground. He has won two of his last three starts in the style of a classy horse and is drawn next to the rail, which he enjoys. The draw seems to favour those on the far side, with eight winners of the last ten runnings having single figure berths. However, there have been two high numbers who were successful and Steve's Champ can do so here. Blue Tomato may not have the best of draws, in ten, but he seems as good as ever this term judged by his two wins, including a last time out success. He is six pounds higher here however, and despite Royal Ascot winning jockey Ahmed Ajtebi being on board and claiming five pounds, he will have to turn back the clock to his vintage years to win this. Winless in four attempts since scoring at Lingfield last year, the handicapper was not quick to drop Barney McGrew down the ratings and you could understand that based on a fine win over this course and distance recently, denied a clear run but squeezing through to win. He is four pounds higher here but has a single figure draw and can go well. A similar remark applies to Fathom Five who has plenty of speed as illustrated by a fine run to be beaten only two lengths in the Vodafone dash last time. However the much respected Bryan Smart runner has not won over this trip and may fade in the closing stages. How's She Cuttin can give a good account after a great run in a Listed affair last time and may be well treated. However, Steve's Champ can take this lucrative prize back to Scandinavia.
Steve's Champ (CHI) (9-13) Soon led, easily, won at Ovrevoll 6f lst stk (1) sft beating Lady Lily (9-8) by 2l, 9 ran.
Buachaill Dona (IRE) 7-1 (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong, 10th of 15, 11l behind Tombi (8-13) at York 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in May.
Fathom Five (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Started slowly, soon prominent, every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 19, 2l behind Holbeck Ghyll (8-7) at Epsom 5f hcap (2) gd.
River Falcon 13-2fav (9-3) Held up centre, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 14th of 18, 7l behind Masta Plasta (8-11) at York 5f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Barney McGrew (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Held up in touch, headway when not much room over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at Newcastle 6f hcap (3) gf in May beating Stevie Gee (8-13) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Northern Empire (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Reared leaving stalls, towards rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on, never nearer, 9th of 19, 3 1/2l behind Holbeck Ghyll (8-7) at Epsom 5f hcap (2) gd.
Ishetoo 13-2 (9-9) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 5l behind Musaalem (9-3) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Bond City (IRE) 14-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 13th of 19, 7l behind Sohraab (9-11) at York 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Luscivious 5-2fav (9-10) Started slowly, soon chased along to go prominent, driven over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Garlogs (8-4) at Southwell 5f hcap (4) fbs in May.
Pusey Street Lady 14-1 (8-10) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Ajigolo (8-4) at Newmarket 6f hcap (2) gd in May.
Special Day 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders centre, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no impression, 9th of 18, 5l behind Masta Plasta (8-11) at York 5f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Green Park (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Chased leaders far side, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 18, 13l behind Masta Plasta (8-11) at York 5f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.
Efistorm 33-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 10th of 19, 5l behind Sohraab (9-11) at York 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Hamish McGonagall 8-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 19, 7l behind Brave Prospector (9-0) at York 6f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd.
Dig Deep (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Held up, driven over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 2l behind Tabaret (9-7) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) frm.
How's She Cuttin' (IRE) 18-1 (9-3) Behind, stayed on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Look Busy (8-11) at Ayr 5f lst fll stk (1) gf.
Blue Tomato 15-2 (9-5) Held up in touch, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf beating My Gacho (8-9) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
