started slowly, towards rear, headway to chase winner well over 1f out, kept on but no impression final furlong, stayed on for 2nd
held up, ridden over 2f out, no progress and soon one pace
held up behind on outer, steady headway to lead well over 1f out, ran on strongly, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out and weakened quickly 2f out, soon tailed off
started slowly, always in rear, lost touch from 2f out, soon well behind
tracked leader, led just over 3f out, headed well over 1f out, no extra, kept on, lost 2nd inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden 3f out, no impression and weakened from 2f out, soon well behind
prominent, ridden to dispute lead 2f out, every chance, no extra 1f out, stayed on same pace
soon led, headed just over 3f out, weakened rapidly 2f out, soon tailed off
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final 2f, never nearer
Country Song could be something special and is the one to beat, with Always Fruitful, Champlain, Cumin and Tension Point all expected to run well. This is the weakest of all the juvenile races at Royal Ascot and Irish trainer David Wachman, who took the Queen Mary with Damson two years ago, will surely be confident that Country Song can keep his unbeaten record intact. A son of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and top American racemare Eliza, he beat subsequent winner Howya Now Kid comfortably on his Tipperary debut over five furlongs before being stepped up to seven furlongs on a return visit to that track on faster ground. Once again, he did not disappoint, scoring a shade more cozily than the neck margin suggests. This track will bring out the best in him, and victory here could see him emerge as a serious Guineas contender next year. Always Fruitful represents a stable that has already collected the Chesham three times in recent years, and although he has not added to his Ripon debut success, Mark Johnston's colt has finished second to the subsequent Coventry Stakes winner Hellvelyn at Pontefract and to Sadeek who also lined up in the Coventry, so he has to be respected on his first try over a trip that will suit. Champlain was not beaten too far on his Newbury bow behind Major Cadeaux and will relish the trip, while the filly Cumin is by the same sire as the selection and caught the eye when a close second on her Haydock introduction. Related to User Friendly, she is another to note for next year. Tension Point finished third to the useful Raincoat at Sandown and is one of Jamie Osborne's best, so will know what is required, but Country Song sets the standard and can complete the hat-trick.
Country Song (USA) 7-4fav (9-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden to lead 1 1/2f out, pushed out final furlong, all out, won at Tipperary 7f 2yo stk frm beating Hammers Boy (9-7) by a shd, 6 ran.
Always Fruitful 7-1 (9-0) Started slowly, in rear, ridden 3f out, stayed on strongly from over 1f out, took 3rd inside final furlong, closing near finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Sadeek (9-0) at Epsom 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gf.
Champlain 14-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden to dispute lead over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, no extra final 100 yards, 3rd of 18, 2l behind Major Cadeaux (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) sft in May.
Green Day Packer (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 2f out, edged left and weakened over 1f out, 5th of 14, 11l behind Alzerra (8-12) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Gweebarra 10-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride and behind, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Prince Rossi (9-3) at Ripon 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Kindlelight Blue (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, behind, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 10, 4l behind Russian Silk (8-12) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (6) gf.
Middleham (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, not much room inside final furlong, no extra close home, 7th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Everymanforhimself (9-0) at Beverley 5f 2yo stk (2) gd in May.
Montalembert (USA) 100-1 (9-3) Never better than mid-division, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 9th of 18, 9l behind Major Cadeaux (9-3) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) sft in May.
Pires 3-1 (9-3) Chased leaders on outside, ridden and edged left from 2f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Eddie Jock (9-3) at Brighton 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) frm.
Tension Point 20-1 (9-3) Held up mid-division, headway approaching final furlong, ridden and ran on, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Raincoat (9-3) at Sandown 7f 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Cumin (USA) 11-2 (8-12) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, ran on, not trouble winner, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Alzerra (8-12) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
