close up, went 2nd over 6f out, effort over 2f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong
led after 1f, stayed on gamely final 2f, clear final furlong, driven out
tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, stayed on one pace
in touch, lost position over 4f out, behind final 3f
started slowly, in rear, some headway inside final 2f, never nearer
towards rear, headway and 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on again inside final furlong, did not trouble leaders
close up, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, kept on well for 2nd
steady start, towards rear, good headway over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, but never near to challenge
led 1f, stayed tracking winner to over 6f out, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened rapidly over 1f out
The feature race of the evening could be won by any of the scheduled nine starters, but we'll side with SPANISH MOON in preference to Re Barolo and last year's winner, Dansant. Sir Michael Stoute sends Spanish Moon out on the all-weather for the first time, having won a couple of listed events earlier in the year at Ascot and Windsor. Third last time out at Newbury in a group three race, if at his best and handling the surface, he must have an outstanding chance. Dansant's win in this race last year was the first leg of a hat-trick of listed successes, but since then he's been a little disappointing, including here last time out. Re Barolo was runner up at Great Leighs in a decent contest last time out, when showing a return to the form we know he's capable of. He's got five pounds in hand on the two others on our shortlist and has the advantage of a high draw. Godolphin have two runners here with little to split Emirate Skyline and Gravitas. It promises to be an exciting race this, and we'll side with Spanish Moon.
Dansant 9-4 (9-8) Disputed last, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 4th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Many Volumes (9-8) at Kempton 1m 3f stk (3) pol in Aug.
Spanish Moon (USA) 13-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, led inside final 2f, headed close home, rallied gamely towards finish, 2nd of 9, shd behind Blue Monday (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3f Grp 3 (1) gd in Sept.
Ajhar (USA) 13-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on well, 3rd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Sixties Icon (9-3) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) gd in Sept.
Emirates Skyline (USA) 12-1 (9-9) In touch, going well enough when hung right from inside final 2f, eased when no chance final furlong, 14th of 17, 16l behind Gulf Express (8-12) at Goodwood 1m 2f hcap (2) gd in Jul.
Gravitas 16-1 (9-0) Behind, headway over 1f out, never nearer, 5th of 11, 5l behind Buccellati (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 4f lst stk (1) gf in Oct.
Illustrious Blue 12-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling, 7th of 9, 14l behind Blue Monday (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3f Grp 3 (1) gd in Sept.
Re Barolo (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on well, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Lucky Find (9-5) at Great Leighs 1m 1f stk (2) pol in Sept.
Scintillo 25-1 (8-10) Held up in touch, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 6l behind Buccellati (9-3) at Newbury 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Arthur's Girl 9-2 (8-6) Close up, ridden and one pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 5l behind Dar Re Mi (8-4) at Newmarket 1m 4f lst fll stk (1) gf in Jul.
