chased leader and keen, switched right over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish
soon tracking leader, led 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, held on towards finish
in rear, kept on final 2f, no impression
held up in rear, kept on same pace final furlong
led, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
Provided he has trained on then Charlie Farnsbarns looks the one to be with in this conditions contest, while Docofthebay, Striving Storm and Benandonner are worth some consideration. The selection was good enough to give last year's Derby winner Authorized a good race at Newbury in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy of 2006, but was seen out only once as a three-year-old when runner up to Massive in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown almost a year ago. Hopefully whatever has ailed him since is now long gone and he can pick up the winning thread again here, with this step up in trip a plus. The others will all have to find a fair bit if the selection is on song, but Cambridgeshire runner-up Docofthebay looks the most serious threat. Fast ground and nine furlongs clearly suit, and though he was comfortably beaten in a Group 3 last time that should not stop connections having a go here. Striving Storm found only Regime too good in last year's Sandown Classic Trial, and he will surely appreciate the drop in class to this after being asked to move mountains in the second half of last season. Of the other pair Benandonner is the pick and a win for Lang Shining earlier on the card will fuel confidence for some, but in truth he's got over a stone to find and preference is for Charlie Farnsbarns.
Benandonner (USA) 13-2 (8-7) Chased leaders, driven to lead over 1f out, ran on under pressure, headed towards finish, 2nd of 17, nk behind Lang Shining (8-11) at Newbury 1m hcap (2) sft in Apr.
Charlie Farnsbarns (IRE) 2-5fav (8-12) With winner 3f, stayed tracking winner, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance final furlong, always just held inside final furlong, 2nd of 4, nk behind Massive (8-12) at Sandown 1m 3yo lst stk (1) gs.
Docofthebay (IRE) 5-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, ever nearer, 6th of 13, 7l behind Windsor Knot (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Royal Power (IRE) 66-1 (9-5) Prominent, driven 3f out, edged left well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 11th of 26, 5l behind Damika (9-0) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Oct.
Striving Storm (USA) 20-1 (8-11) Towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 17l behind Jalmira (8-11) at Newmarket 1m lst stk (1) gd in Nov.
