held up in rear, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous
held up, driven and headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on
chased leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out to over 1f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, headway to challenge over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
chased leader, ridden and lost place over 3f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
hung right and raced wide, in touch, chased leaders over 3f out to over 2f out, ridden and weakened final furlong
behind, outpaced over 2f out, never able to challenge
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, driven 4f out, ridden and wandered entering final furlong, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish, no impression
The first flat race on the split card is the best of the quintet, and Godolphin's CITY STYLE can make a winning British debut here, being preferred to Ordnance Row and Garnica. Four wins from six runs in America and Dubai are testament to his ability over this trip, although he couldn't live with the company in a Breeders Cup contest in October. He's Godolphin's only runner on the card, and the youngest in the field, with half a stone in hand on all his rivals. Ordnance Row will be better for having had a run out last month at Ascot, as he usually needs one or two to get going. The step down from a mile to seven furlongs is a positive Garnica has shown ability by winning a group race in France, but has done little of note since coming to Britain. Appalachian Trail won this race last year, but has done little since; Welsh Emperor won it in 2005 but was well down the field last year, and both may need the run to get fully tuned up. Beacon Lodge would probably prefer a little cut in the ground. Sammy The Snake is the least exposed, and after winning on debut at The Curragh tired last time out last month at Kempton over slightly shorter, in what was his first run for two years, but that run should have done him good. Market support for City Style would be encouraging, and he's the one carrying our backing.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 40-1 (9-5) Switched far side, prominent, weakened 2f out, 25th of 27, 17l behind Regal Parade (8-10) at Ayr 6f hcap (2) hvy in Sep.
Beacon Lodge (IRE) 11-1 (9-2) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 7th of 13, 7l behind Prime Defender (9-2) at Doncaster 6f Listed stks (1) gf in Mar.
Garnica (FR) 15-2 (9-5) 6th of 10, 1 3/4l behind Captain's Lover (8-11) at Longchamp(FR) 7f Grp 3 gs in Sep.
Ordnance Row 4-1 (9-0) Led on rail, set steady pace, ridden and quickened 2f out, driven and headed 1f out, edged right and one pace final furlong, 4th of 5, 3 1/2l behind General Eliott (9-0) at Ascot 1m Listed stks (1) gf in Apr.
Sammy The Snake (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Led early, tracked winner after half a furlong, 4 lengths adrift 2f out, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 5, 5l behind Buachaill Dona (9-0) at Kempton 6f cnd stks (4yo+) (4) pol in Apr.
Shallal 33-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened quickly and soon behind, last of 16, 28l behind Aqlaam (9-1) at Ascot 7f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun.
Vitznau (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on, 4th of 13, 3l behind Prime Defender (9-2) at Doncaster 6f Listed stks (1) gf in Mar.
Welsh Emperor (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 17, 7l behind Icelandic (9-3) at Doncaster 6f Listed stks (1) sft in Nov.
City Style (USA) Evensfav (8-7) Settled rear; smooth progress 500m out; led 200m out; comfortably, won at Nad Al Sheba(UAE) 7f stks (1) gd in Mar beating Liberation (8-7) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
