held up in 5th, but well off the pace, ridden to chase leader briefly over 1f out, outpaced final furlong
keen hold, led and set fast pace, steadied over 4f out, headied 2f out, soon lost action and eased
raced keenly, pressed leader, led and edged left 2f out, wandered under pressure and headed just over 1f out, not quicken
held up in 6th, well off the pace, steady headway from 4f out, challenged, not much room and switched right well over 1f out, led just over 1f out, stayed on strongly
raced in 4th on outside, pushed along 3f out, outpaced final 2f
well in rear, hard ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, soon eased when no chance
well in rear, still last 2f out, kept on final furlong but never dangerous
keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden to challenge from 2f out, onepaced final furlong
Big Bad Bob looks all set to open his account for the season, with Delsarte and High Accolade the biggest dangers to John Dunlop's colt. It is 16 years since Love The Groom gave the Arundel trainer his only victory so far in this prestigious contest, and just like then, it is Pat Eddery in the saddle. The Irishman knows more than most how to deliver the goods in this Group 2 affair, having won it no less than four times, and in Big Bad Bob, has the right partner to make it five. A winner four times last season, the son of Bob Back was brushed aside by Kris Kin on his reappearance in the Dee Stakes, but subsequent events at Epsom revealed that a two length defeat was not so bad after all. In addition, the third at Chester, Private Charter, went on to finish runner-up in the Italian Derby, so the form looks rock-solid. Big Bad Bob is bred to appreciate the mile and a half, and will have no problems with the fast ground. Derby flops Alberto Giacometti and Summerland are hard to fancy, but in-form Mark Johnston saddles unbeaten Delsarte who is expected to improve again for his Listed win at Newmarket. High Accolade won a maiden for Richard Hannon last term but since moving stables has come on a ton, his latest success coming in the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood. If you are looking for a shock, well Clive Brittain's Titurel may provide it. His sire Amfortaz was also unfancied when landing this prize in 1996, and with the stable in great form, he may just sneak a place. As for the winner, it must surely be Big Bad Bob to come good.
