Verdict

It's hard to get away from the standout horse in the race, Conduit. Tajweed, First Avenue and Rochefort are likely dangers. The selection will be a warm order given Sir Michael Stoute's excellent record in the contest and it looks significant that he was the stable's only entry and he's probably the best handicapped horse in the race. He's been tipped up from here to Timbuktu all season and is likely to be priced accordingly but it is a concern that he managed to find a bit of trouble and got outpaced over this trip on his reappearance at Sandown. The plus side to that run is that he's only 4lbs higher whereas second placed Midships is on a 9lb higher mark. Midships should go well again as should Ramona Chase who could develop into a serious horse if he ever learns to settle, Solent Ridge may improve for the step up in trip and the booking of Kinane is a positive. Tajweed hasn't been all that impressive but is progressing and shouldn't be underestimated but Rochefort and First Avenue are the potential dark horses in the race. The former showed promise in maidens last year, should stay this far and should have more to offer but he lacks a run whilst the latter has the potential to improve on his bare form but will need to and it's very difficult to get away from the potentially smart CONDUIT.

Formwatch

Cobo Bay 9-2 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed pressing winner until entering final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Commander Cave (8-8) at Sandown 1m 3yo hcp (2) gs in Apr.

Siberian Tiger (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, driven over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 4l behind City Leader (9-5) at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo lst stk (1) gd in May.

Midships (USA) 11-1 (9-0) Led, ridden 2f out, headed and unable to quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Strategic Mission (8-10) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.

Ramona Chase 8-1 (9-2) Steadied start, took keen hold in rear, headway over 3f out, driven and stayed on from over 1f out, 4th of 14, 3l behind Strategic Mission (8-10) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in May.

Solent Ridge (IRE) (9-2) Led to 2f out, soon beaten, last of 7, 5l behind Precious Boy (9-2) at Cologne 1m Grp 2 (1) gd in May.

Fitzroy Crossing (USA) 16-1 (8-7) Close up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 11, 23l behind Dr Faustus (8-8) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) gd in May.

Rochefort (IRE) 15-8 (9-3) Made all, in command final 2f, unchallenged, heavily eased near finish, won at Windsor 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct beating City Stable (9-3) by 1l, 12 ran.

Miss Bootylishes 50-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 7th of 9, 7l behind Enforce (9-4) at Goodwood 1m lst fll stk (1) gs in May.

Conduit (IRE) 3-1 (8-7) Took keen hold and held up, pushed along on inner 3f out, driven over 2f out, finished well, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Colony (8-5) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp (3) gs in Apr.

Tajweed (IRE) 6-5fav (8-12) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, driven and kept on gamely final furlong, won at Redcar 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) sft in May beating Full Speed (8-7) by 1l, 4 ran.

Special Reserve (IRE) 7-2fav (9-3) Tracked leader, led going well 2f out, driven final furlong, caught post, 2nd of 15, shd behind It's A Date (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gd in May.

First Avenue 11-4fav (9-3) Held up in 5th, challenged on outside over 2f out, soon hanging left, not quicken final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Inventor (9-2) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.