led to over 2f out, stayed close up until out paced final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden and beaten approaching final furlong
pulled hard in rear, smooth headway on wide outside, over 2f out, quickened to lead narrowly inside final furlong, held on well
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, kept on, held near finish
soon pressed leader, pushed along over 2f out, losing place when not much room, and snatched up approaching final furlong
mid division, ridden 2f out, soon beaten
pulled hard early, held up towards rear, effort 2f out, stayed on same pace over 1f out
behind, headway when not clear run over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, unable to quicken final furlong
held up well in rear, effort on wide outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace
slowly into stride, held up in rear, effort over 2f out, never near to challenge
close up until weakened over 2f out
pulled hard, held up and behind, not clear run over 2f out to over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
close up until weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in rear, pushed along and not clear run 3f out, never nearer
A competitive race in which Funfair is taken to recoup Royal Hunt Cup losses and re-establish his reputation. Following a good York success, Sir Michael Stoute's colt was all the rage at Royal Ascot, but he never looked entirely at ease racing on the unfavoured far side. We'll give him another chance. There are plenty in with chances though. Heretic won this race last year off a 14lb-lower mark, but his stable is in great form and he could still go well. However, the likes of David Loder's Royal Dignitary, Andrew Balding's Royal Hunt Cup fourth, Pentecost, the Royal Hunt Cup sixth, Unshakable, and Sir Michael Stoute's other runner, the lightly-raced Adekshan, also have to be considered. David Loder also runs Excellento, who comes here on the back of three straight wins. It is more than conceivable that this progressive colt is well handicapped. Alec Stewart's Lafi is also progressive but we'll stick with Funfair to get back to winning ways.
