tracked leaders, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon led, ran on well to go clear inside last
slowly into stride, pushed along behind, ridden over 3f out, kept on and no impression final 2f
led, ridden and headed 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, no extra inside last
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on to take 2nd last 50 yards
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, effort over 3f out, never dangerous
A cracking renewal of this Group 1 contest, where last year's winner Nayef defends his crown against his Sandown conqueror Falbrav and specialist miler Dubai Destination, but we will side with one of the three-year-olds, Kalaman. The Aga Khan's colt was badly hampered at Royal Ascot last time out, when travelling like the winner two furlongs out in the St James's Palace Stakes won by Zafeen. That hold-up arguably cost him the race, but he finished very strongly for second and left the impression that this trip would suit him even better. A half-brother to Kalanisi, who won in Group 1 company over 10 furlongs, he is open to a fair bit more improvement after just four runs and he can take this prestigious prize. There should again be little to choose between both Falbrav and Nayef, and they can fight out the minor honours. The former came good in the Eclipse at Sandown, when finishing three-parts-of-a-length to the good over Nayef off level weights. With those weights remaining the same here, it is a very close call, but perhaps Marcus Tregoning's horse will just have the edge on a track he likes. Dubai Destination would look well in if this were over a mile, but he is unproven at the trip and might have to wait for another day, while Aidan O'Brien sends over Mingun, who steps into this from Group 3 company and could be anything. However, we will stick with the unlucky Kalaman to get it right this time.
