tracked leader, took keen hold, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd and keen, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
held up in touch, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
held up behind and in touch, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression
held up in rear and in touch, ridden inside final furlong, kept on
Estidhkaar will be a short-priced favourite for this after winning the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket by more than four lengths in July. But that victory means he carries a penalty and it's more than 10 years since a colt last shouldered extra in this Group 2. War Envoy has been placed in good company at the Curragh in recent starts but this will be his first try over 7f. Belardo needs to step up, as does maiden winner Aces, while Goodwood third Room Key has raced exclusively on fast ground so far. GLENALMOND got caught out when the pace quickened in the Gimcrack but was staying on strongly at the death suggesting this extra furlong will suit. He could be the value at the likely odds.
Estidhkaar (IRE) 15-8fav (9-1) Keen early, prominent, led 3f out, ridden 2f out, forged clear final furlong, impressive, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Jul beating Aktabantay (9-1) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
Aces (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Dwelt soon close up, headway to track leaders over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on to lead near finish, won at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Aug beating Skate (9-5) by 1l, 11 ran.
Belardo (IRE) 5-4fav (9-1) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out and stayed on strongly final furlong, easily, won at Newbury 7f 2yo lst stk (1) gs in Aug beating Hawkesbury (9-1) by 4l, 4 ran.
Glenalmond (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind Muhaarar (9-0) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Room Key 20-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, not clear run over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Highland Reel (9-1) at Goodwood 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
War Envoy (USA) 5-2 (9-3) Settled in 6th, improved on outer from 2f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, almost on terms 1f out, no impression closing stages, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Cappella Sansevero (9-3) at Curragh 6f 2yo Grp 3 (1) in Aug.