chased leader, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out, headed and not quicken well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, in touch, ran in snatches from 8f out, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead and hung left well inside final furlong, cosily
led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
Papal Bull created a favourable impression when making a winning return in a Newmarket handicap last time and is taken to follow up in this grade with Primary and Mashaahed rated the main dangers. The selection improved for the step up to 1m2f at headquarters and there should be plenty more to come not only for the run but also for today's extra two furlongs. Yarqus, representing last year's winning trainer Clive Brittain, stepped up on previous form this term when landing the Esher Cup at Sandown but this represents a stiffer assignment, especially over a longer trip that he is not certain to stay. Dragon Dancer lost no caste in defeat behind the Derby bound Hala Bek at Newbury and he could be of interest but a bigger threat could come from Sandown Classic Trial winner Primary, who looks progressive but is not certain to stay this far. The Barry Hills-trained Mashaahed is clearly going the right way and the yard's runners always warrant respect at this meeting but Papal Bull looked good at Newmarket and is taken to extend his trainer's good record in this contest.
Dragon Dancer (FR) 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4f out, led 3f out, headed inside final 2f, not pace of winner final furlong, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Hala Bek (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Mashaahed 5-4fav (9-3) Mid-division, headway 4f out, led briefly 1f out, no extra near finish, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Markovitch (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Papal Bull 5-1 (9-4) Dwelt, soon mid-division, switched right and headway 2f out, ridden to lead and edged left inside final furlong, won at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Apr beating Linas Selection (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Primary (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Led, quickened 2f out, ridden and hard pressed 1f out, edged left final furlong, held on gamely, won at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Apr beating The Last Drop (9-0) by a nk, 5 ran.
Yarqus 13-2 (8-4) Tracked leading pair, effort on inside rail 2f out, led over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong, joined on line, won at Sandown 1m 3yo hcp (2) gd in Apr deadheating with King's Head (8-7), 8 ran.
