Verdict

Ashdown Lad beat Presburg, who runs in the first division, in a claimer at Sandown but this looks a bit more competitive. Hidden Justice also looks worth opposing in first-time blinkers while Freddy Q has lost his way. The Quarterjack may struggle to complete the hat-trick after being raised 7lb for narrowly winning an amateurs' race at Newbury but Ghost Protocol shouldn't be far away and Positively came good at Kempton 11 days ago, though her pedigree suggests she may struggle to stay this far. AEGAEUS should, however, and Frankie's presence in the saddle suggests he'll carry a bit of confidence despite a break. His run behind Trade Commissioner at Sandown in May worked out well and he has plenty of scope. Goodwood Atlantic is preferred to Dandy of the others.

Formwatch

Ghost Protocol (IRE) 11-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 10, 8l behind Sir John Hawkwood (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Aug.

Goodwood Atlantis (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Held up towards rear, headway on outside 3f out, ridden and chased winner inside final 2f, no impression when lost 2nd final 75 yards, no extra in 4th close home, 4th of 16, 2 3/4l behind Sir Graham Wade (8-8) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Aug.

Freddy Q (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Held up in mid-division, ridden 2f out, soon lost place, never on terms, 10th of 12, 8l behind Postscript (9-12) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.

Dandy (GER) 6-1 (8-11) Chased leading trio, ridden 3f out, weakened soon after, last of 7, 13l behind Hajras (9-4) at Ascot 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) fm in Jul.

Positively 5-2fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, travelling well over 3f out, went 2nd inside final 2f, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol beating Landesherr (9-1) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.

The Quarterjack 15-8fav (9-1) Raced wide, chased leaders, went 2nd over 5f out, ridden and stayed on to lead final strides, won at Newbury 1m 4f ladys hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Aug beating The Ducking Stool (9-1) by hd, 9 ran.

Aegaeus 20-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 5l behind Trade Commissioner (9-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gd in May.

Ashdown Lad 7-2 (8-7) Took keen hold, held up, stumbled after 1f, headway on outside over 1f out, carried head high under pressure but stayed on to lead fnal 150 yards, kept on, won at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo clm (4) gf beating Presburg (9-7) by 1/2l, 7 ran.

Hidden Justice (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Stock Hill Fair (9-12) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Aug.