always prominent, led over 1f out, soon headed, edged left and no extra final furlong
behind, headway over 2f out, bumped over 1f out, not run on
always behind
prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, stayed on well
held up in touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach winner
held up, pushed along halfway, headway and hung right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
always behind
mid-division, weakened 2f out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Significant rain would be an issue with several of the field having shown a preference for racing on top of the ground and they include all three mentioned here. Giganticus is selected from Ceremonial Jade and Big Noise. The first two named came home in that order last year and Hills' runner meets the runner-up on 2lb better terms as he lines up here on the same mark. He showed that he was returning to form at Ascot last time and looks certain to run a big race. Marco Botti's runner is at his best on the all-weather but is competitive from this lower mark on turf and is still relatively lightly raced and comes here in form. Big Noise has flattered to deceive so far this year but there was more encouragement to be taken from his Ascot run and he may yet fulfil last year's promise. Little White Lie has scooped two big pots by a neck and a head; a 5lb rise may not do for him and he'll relish any rain. Kalahari Gold is potentially smart but will need to be to overcome a 12lb rise in a better race against experienced campaigners. Vitznau is respected as he fared best of those drawn in single figures at Goodwood but he receives no respite from the handicapper which is also the case with Presumptive who continues to give his all. There have been some big priced winners of this race in recent years so it would be folly to be dismissive of the outsiders but Giganticus appears to be peaking at the right time to record back to back successes.
Little White Lie (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and edged left under pressure inside final furlong, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Newmarket 7f hcap (2) gd in Jul beating Lovelace (9-10) by a hd, 18 ran.
Vitznau (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Held up, headway and not clear run on rails 2f out, switched left and stayed on final furlong, never able to challenge, 6th of 18, 3 1/2l behind Fifteen Love (8-12) at Goodwood 1m hcap (2) gf.
Cobo Bay 10-1 (8-9) Led group of 3 on stand rails and well on terms, ridden halfway, weakened approaching 2f out, 7th of 8, 10l behind Easy Target (8-9) at Newbury 7f 3yo stk (3) gd in Jul.
Nacho Libre 9-2 (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up, 6th straight, ridden and struggling 3f out, last of 7, 12l behind Iguazu Falls (8-13) at Epsom 7f 3yo lst stk (1) gd in Jun.
Masai Moon 50-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 10th of 25, 4 1/2l behind Laa Rayb (9-7) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Kalahari Gold (IRE) 5-1 (9-9) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway from over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon ridden clear, eased inside final furlong, won at Newmarket 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf beating Portodora (9-2) by 6l, 8 ran.
Pawan (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Battle Paint (8-13) at Doncaster 6f stk (3) gd.
Big Noise 50-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, headway, not clear run over 2f out, soon ridden, switched right over 1f out, kept on, 7th of 25, 2 1/2l behind Laa Rayb (9-7) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
South Cape 10-3fav (8-12) In touch, ridden well over 1f out, soon headway, challenged well inside final furlong, held close home, 2nd of 13, hd behind The Kiddykid (9-1) at Chester 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Obe Brave 25-1 (9-2) Chased leaders to over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 10l behind Zomerlust (9-5) at York 6f hcp 0-95 (3) hvy in Jul.
Tathkaar 18-1 (9-2) Mid-division, lost place over 2f out, 12th of 13, 13l behind Red Dune (8-11) at Newmarket 7f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jul.
Celtic Sultan (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Led until headed 3f out, weakened from 2f out, last of 15, 6l behind Lovelace (9-6) at Sandown 1m hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Giganticus (USA) 14-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, bumped entering final furlong, ran on, 3rd of 25, 2l behind Laa Rayb (9-7) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Presumptive (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Held up behind, headway 3f out, soon ridden, challenged briefly over 1f out, kept on same pace, 8th of 25, 3 1/2l behind Laa Rayb (9-7) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Ceremonial Jade (UAE) 4-1 (9-2) In rear, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead well inside final furlong, won at Great Leighs 6f stk (3) pol in Jul beating Greek Renaissance (9-2) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Golden Desert (IRE) 6-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Ascot 7f ldy rds hcp (3) gf in Jul beating Secret Night (9-5) by 2l, 20 ran.
Hazzard County (USA) 12-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 20, 3 1/2l behind Golden Desert (10-4) at Ascot 7f ldy rds hcp (3) gf in Jul.
