held up in 6th, effort on outside 3f out, driven along over 2f out, one pace and no impression when hung right from inside final 2f
held up last, kept on inside final furlong, no chance
held up in last pair, steady progress 3f out, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd inside final 2f, ridden and no impression over 1f out, kept on well for clear 2nd
close up in 4th on inside, disputing 2nd 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened just inside final 2f
pushed up to lead, ridden along, driven and headed inside final 4f, weakened inside final 3f, tailed off and eased
tracked pacemaker, led inside final 4f, in command over 1f out, galloped on strongly, ridden out
tracked leading pair, chased winner over 3f out, challenged 3f out, wanting to edge right from over 2f out, no impression and one pace when lost 2nd well over 1f out
PACO BOY, reunited with Richard Hughes, is fancied to get over his July Cup disappointment with a win here at the main expense of Lord Shanakill, Rip Van Winkle and Ghanaati. A fantastic finish looks assured here given the way that a couple of these leading protagonists are likely to be ridden. The selection, a proven Group One performer over a mile, was impressive when beating Cesare at Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes although the form looks modest for the level. The six furlong experiment last time was questionable, but back over his best trip he looks sure to run well at a course he has won at before. Lord Shanakill grabbed a first Group One win for this trainer last time at Chantilly and is respected, although this is tougher out of his own age group. Of more interest then is the super filly Ghanaati who has been imperious so far this season. This is a much tougher test, however she may be ridden more prominently than some of her main rivals and it would be unwise to give her too much rope. Malibu Bay should ensure that they go a strong pace, which will suit Rip Van Winkle. He will probably start as favourite on the back of his fine length second to Sea The Stars in the Eclipse, and the drop in trip is unlikely to work against him. Beacon Lodge deserves a step up in class but could not have found a tougher Group One race, Forgotten Voice needs quick ground but so far he is still just a promising handicapper, whilst Mia's Boy and to some extent Lahaleeb look to be tilting at windmills. One of the highlights of the season so far, and it is Paco Boy who can teach the three-year-old's a lesson.
Beacon Lodge (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) won at Chantilly(FR) 1m stk gs in Jun beating Sahpresa (8-8) by 3l, 9 ran.
Forgotten Voice (IRE) 8-15fav (8-9) Tracked leader, ridden and not much room over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 5, 2l behind Dream Lodge (8-9) at Doncaster 1m stks (3) gs.
Mia's Boy 9-1 (9-3) Raced stands side, held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to press for 2nd, no chance with winner, 3rd of 25, 3l behind Forgotten Voice (9-1) at Royal Ascot 1m (2) gf in Jun.
Paco Boy (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, hung right and ran on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, too much to do, 4th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Fleeting Spirit (9-2) at Newmarket 6f Grp 1 stks (1) gf.
Lord Shanakill (USA) 4-1 (9-2) won at Chantilly(FR) 1m stk gd beating Oiseau De Feu (9-2) by hd, 9 ran.
Malibu Bay (USA) 16-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, ridden in 7th and no extra 1 1/2f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 8, 9l behind She's Our Mark (9-4) at Leopardstown 1m 2f Grp 3 sft.
Rip Van Winkle (IRE) 11-2 (8-10) Held up in 7th, headway to chase winner inside final 2f, quickened and driven to challenge 1f out, kept on well, readily held final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Sea The Stars (8-10) at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 1 stks (1) gd.
Ghanaati (USA) 2-1fav (9-0) Keen early, held up 3rd, closed on leaders when bumped just over 2f out, led 2f out, soon clear, pushed out, impressive, won at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating Reggane (9-0) by 2l, 10 ran.
Lahaleeb (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Held up, raced on outside, wide straight well over 2f out, stayed on steadily from over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 5th of 10, 7l behind Ghanaati (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
