Kiloecho has yet to win outside of handicap company and is a Deauville specialist while the going would be a concern for both Fast Raaj and Witch Hunter with the latter looking held by Poker Face on Pontefract running. Tipperary winner Caracal appears to be aiming high and the three Andre Fabre three-year-olds also have some improving to do. Isaac Shelby has been more than holding in this grade and Group 1 races so must be thereabouts if getting the run of the race but EMBESTO, who is 3-4, may be a tad more progressive. By Roaring Lion, who won a Group 1 on soft ground, he’s out of a mare that thrived on an easy surface so his ability to handle today’s going looks assured.
Witch Hunter (FR) 12-1 (9-8) Held up last, good headway near side of group over 1f out, went 2nd 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, led inside final 150 yards, went readily clear, won at Newbury 7f Grp 2 stks (1) gs in Aug beating New Endeavour (9-3) by 1l, 9 ran.
Caracal (FR) 13-2 (9-9) Raced keenly in 4th, improved into 3rd halfway, switched to outer over 2f out and ridden to challenge over 1f out, disputed lead inside final 150 yards and soon led, kept on well, won at Tipperary 7f Yielding in Sep beating Lust (9-9) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Fast Raaj (FR) 18-1 (9-4) Never a factor, last of 8, 3 1/2l behind Sauterne (8-10) at ParisLongchamp 1m Grp 1 gs in Sep.
Kiloecho (FR) 9-1 (8-13) Midfield in far side group, headway under pressure, led on the line, won at Deauville 1m hcp hvy in Aug beating Half Half (8-10) by hd, 15 ran.
Poker Face (IRE) 6-4fav (8-13) Made all, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure, won at Deauville 1m Grp 3 sft in Aug beating Gregarina (8-10) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Colombier 7-1 (8-13) Led, headed inside final furlong, faded close home, 6th of 7, 4 3/4l behind Horizon Dore (9-4) at ParisLongchamp 1m 2f Grp 3 gs in Sep.
Embesto 10-11fav (8-13) Close up, pushed along and led narrowly over 2f out, soon faced strong challenge and ridden, headed narrowly over 110 yards out, ran on gamely, rallied close home and joined leader on line, won at Salisbury 1m Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Aug beating Mighty Ulysses (9-5), 5 ran.
Belbek (FR) 40-1 (8-13) Raced in midfield, never reached leaders, 5th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sauterne (8-10) at ParisLongchamp 1m Grp 1 gs in Sep.
Mr Moliere 14-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Horizon Dore (9-4) at ParisLongchamp 1m 2f Grp 3 gs in Sep.
Isaac Shelby 11-2 (9-3) Handy, raced in centre turning in, ridden 2f out, ran on one pace, 4th of 11, 2 3/4l behind Kinross (9-8) at York 7f Grp 2 stks (1) gf in Aug.
