chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, went 2nd final furlong, stayed on, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, always behind
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong
made all, pushed clear over 1f out, eased towards finish
dwelt, soon in touch, headway 5f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
A very interesting contest with an eye to the future may go to Iceman ahead of Alfie Flits and Librettist. The first thing to mention is that both Iceman and Librettist have bigger targets in mind, and the fact that they both return from lengthy absences suggests that punters should not dash in madly to support either here. However, they both possess a touch of class, and will be prepared with Royal Ascot in mind, so today should be informative at the very least. Coventry Stakes winner Iceman injured a foot when down the field behind Footstepsinthesand in last year's 2,000 Guineas, but has been nursed back to health by John Gosden who has entered him for the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting. By coincidence, that very race was won by Dubai Destination three years ago after he had won today's contest on his return. Godolphin will now plot the same route with Librettist who has been off the track since finishing behind Iceman when fifth to Shamardal in the 2004 Dewhurst. With the boys in blue having a lean time of it at present, a watching brief on Librettist is the sensible option. The one that could make them all go here is of course Alfie Flits, who is rapidly turning into the apple of Alan Swinbank's eye. Obviously the ground is a key factor, as this potential Ebor horse likes to get his toe in. Connections have nothing to lose here though, and he can be the one to chase home our idea of the winner Iceman who should stamp his class on the race if anywhere near fit.
Alfie Flits 11-10fav (9-12) Dwelt, soon in touch, smooth headway to lead over 2f out, pushed clear over 1f out, comfortably, won at Thirsk 1m 4f mdn stk (5) hvy in May beating Riodan (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Diamond Heritage 66-1 (8-5) Mid-division, bumped 5f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 14, 38l behind Dispol Peto (8-9) at Southwell 1m app hcp (6) fbs in May.
Iceman 7-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 13th of 19, 11l behind Footstepsinthesand (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Apr '05.
Librettist (USA) 10-1 (9-0) With winner, pushed along 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 4l behind Shamardal (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 1 (A1) sft in Oct '04.
My Paris 16-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 17, 2l behind Star of Light (8-11) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gd in May.
Pawan (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, last of 4, 10l behind Weightless (9-2) at Folkestone 1m 2f stk (3) gd.
Propinquity 66-1 (9-7) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 14, 40l behind Munsef (8-7) at York 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Indian Steppes (FR) 8-1 (8-7) Keen hold early, tracked leaders, effort 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong, ran on well, won at Ascot 1m fll hcp (2) gd in May beating Kelucia (8-2) by 1l, 9 ran.
