chased leaders, ridden, outpaced over 2f out
chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, headway to chase winner over 1f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up, ridden, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard, led after 1f, ridden, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
led for 1f, tracked leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, ran on strongly
held up in rear, ridden, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace
A competitive opener in which Strike The Deal gets the nod ahead of One Great Cat, McCartney and Maze. The selection comes here on the back of a win in the Richmond Stakes, when he had One Great Cat behind him in third. The key to this horse is a strong gallop and quick ground and as he looks likely to get both today, then another big run looks likely despite his Group winner's penalty. Tajdeef won effortlessly on his debut at Newbury and whilst this is a step up in class he must be respected. As must Alexander Castle and Atlantic Sport who both won on their debuts, whilst Swiss Franc has a good level of form but is starting to prove frustrating to follow. River Proud was only beaten a neck in the July Stakes at Newmarket and should be afforded the greatest of respect especially as the step up in trip may well suit. Maze is considered a Derby hope but needs to bounce back from a poor recent run, whilst McCartney steps up in class but looks to have more improvement to come. A tremendously competitive renewal, with Strike The Deal given the nod to score.
Strike The Deal (USA) 7-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, quickened to lead final half furlong, asserted final 75 yards, won at Goodwood 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Aug beating Fat Boy (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Alexander Castle (USA) 5-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, headway 3f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, won at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Aug beating Inspector Clouseau (9-3) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Atlantic Sport (USA) 5-2 (9-0) Took keen hold and held up behind leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, ran on under pressure to lead final strides, won at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (4) gs in Jul beating Skadrak (9-0) by a shd, 13 ran.
Let Us Prey 4-6fav (9-2) Held up, smooth headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, pushed out, won at Pontefract 6f 2yo mdn auc (4) gs in Jul beating Kiwi Bay (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Lucifer Sam (USA) 2-1fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, switched right well over 1f out, ridden, stayed on to go 2nd entering final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Fast Company (9-0) at York 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Aug.
Maze (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Led, driven and headed 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, 6th of 9, 15l behind Raven's Pass (9-0) at Sandown 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf.
McCartney (GER) 13-8fav (8-13) Held up, headway from 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, led over 1f out, driven out and just held on close home, won at Salisbury 1m 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Aug beating Scintillo (8-13) by a hd, 7 ran.
One Great Cat (USA) 3-1fav (9-0) In touch, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced, ran on again inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Strike The Deal (9-0) at Goodwood 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Aug.
River Proud (USA) 3-1 (8-12) Chased leader, ridden to lead entering final furlong, driven towards finish, headed post, 2nd of 13, shd behind Winker Watson (9-1) at Newmarket 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
Tajdeef (USA) 11-8fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, led going well inside final 2f, shaken up and quickened final furlong, very easily, won at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Aug beating Redsensor (9-3) by 5l, 10 ran.
Swiss Franc 5-4fav (8-12) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Sir Gerry (8-12) at York 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
