tracked leader, ridden to lead over 3f out, soon headed and weakened
held up in touch, pushed along over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, not inside final furlong
in rear, pushed along and o.pver 4f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon led, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, switched right over 2f out, soon lost place and eased
towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Seven go to post for the showpiece event of day one of the Ebor festival with the first and second in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes reopposing over a distance some two furlongs shorter today. Golan was making his racecourse reappearance on that day and as the winner of the 2,000 Guineas last season, the drop back in trip would far from inconvenience. Sir Michael Stoute is no stranger to this race having won it with Shardari (1986), Ezzoud (1993 and 1994) and Singspiel (1997) On this occasion Stoute is double handed with No Excuse Needed also taking his chance. The Machiavellian colt is useful over a mile on this surface but arguably has a few pounds to find over this trip. Nayef is clearly a tough horse and the vibes from the Tregoning yard have been good of late. A proven Group 1 performer, his season couldn't have got off to a better start when he took the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad-Al-Sheba. He was however only fourth to Grandera in the Prince of Wales's Stakes over this trip at Newmarket. Although this form was boosted by Banks Hill (third), the suspicion is that Tregoning's charge is probably better over a mile-and-a-half. Indian Creek finished second in that race at big odds. That effort at Newmarket was a career best but while he is highly regarded by his trainer, it is difficult to overlook a miserable performance in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. The Godolphin team have been responsible for previous winners in Halling (1995 and 1996) and Sakhee (2001). On this occasion they rely upon Noverre to retain the crown. He looked a very decent horse when taking the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last year and it is no secret that the camp have been looking towards stepping him up in trip. On his day, he is a top-draw performer but his recent efforts have shown flashes of temperament and he was beaten fair-and-square by Rock of Gibraltar last time out. Chancellor posted a Group 2 success at The Curragh a couple of weeks ago but he is passed over today as he seems a much better horse on softer ground. The absence of Hawk Wing from the line-up is an obvious disappointment but Aidan O'Brien saddles the only three-year-old in the race with Starbourne. Even with the weight allowance, it looks difficult on balance to recommend him as a likely winner. On all the evidence, GOLAN is confidently selected as the Teamtalk selection.
