behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, challenged inside last, joined leader on line
dwelt, held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, not much room inside final furlong, soon switched left, kept on
chased leaders and hung left, ridden over 2f out, not quicken inside final furlong
dwelt, mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
made all, ridden and challenged inside last, joined on line
tracked leaders, weakened over 1f out
Acomb Stakes winner Palace Episode has already proved himself to be high-class and is fancied to cope with the challenges of Close To You, Amigioni and the unbeaten Killybegs. It will also be interesting to see how West Of Amarillo fares on his first start for John Gosden, as he looked a bright prospect when he made a winning debut at Newmarket in July. His former trainer, Gerard Butler, had a trip to Belmont Park in mind for him, so it he looks one to keep tabs on whatever happens this afternoon. Killybegs has done nothing wrong so far and could only beat the opposition he has been faced with. This is a big step up in class but he is entitled to take his chance after a couple of very encouraging starts. Amigioni is a Group Three winner in Ireland and is respected accordingly. However, he has yet to really shine when he has been sent on his travels and his 3lb penalty does nothing to boost his claims. Close To You was a big let down when he was sent off as favourite for the Solario Stakes last month. He had previously been progressive though and many will be willing to forgive him just one bad run. However, Palace Episode (holds Lake Poet on York form) created the impression that we have yet to see the best of him when he coasted to victory at the Knavesmire. That form stands up to scrutiny and Kevin Ryan has every chance of sending out a second juvenile Group race winner if Palace Episode continues to thrive in the manner anticipated.
Amigoni (IRE) 2-1jt-fav (9-0) Slight lead, pushed along halfway, ridden and unable to quicken when not much room on rails 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong but no impression, 4th of 6, 2 1/2l behind Always Hopeful (8-11) at Goodwood 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs.
Close To You (IRE) 15-8fav (8-11) Slow into stride, held up, bumped halfway, effort center to press leaders 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 7, 6l behind Opera Cape (8-11) at Sandown 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) sft in Aug.
Cool Creek (IRE) 9-4fav (8-12) Chased leaders on stand's side, progress 1 1/2f out, 2nd and kept on well inside final furlong, 2nd of 26, 1l behind Wake Up Maggie (8-7) at Curragh 6f 2yo stk gd in Aug.
Killybegs (IRE) 5-6fav (9-6) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, clear final furlong, easily, won at Redcar 7f nov med aut stk (5) gd in Aug beating In A Flash (8-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Lake Poet (IRE) 33-1 (8-10) Held up, ridden over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, 5th of 8, 5l behind Palace Episode (8-13) at York 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Aug.
Silent Times (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed over 1 1/2f out, 3rd and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Horatio Nelson (9-0) at Curragh 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
West of Amarillo (USA) 7-1 (9-0) Held up in touch, always going well, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Acheekyone (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Palace Episode (USA) 16-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at York 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Aug beating Araafa (8-10) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
