close up, effort 2f out, soon ridden, one pace from over 1f out, never nearer
help up, always in rear, struggling from over 2f out
awkward leaving the stalls, tracked leaders on outside, led 2f out, going well, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner afterwards
pressed leader, every chance 2f out, no chance with winner over 1f out, stayed on stoutly final furlong
steadied start, settled rear, always behind, outpaced final 2f
led until headed 2f out, gradually weakened
prominent, quicken to lead over 1f out, soon clear, pushed out, impressive
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, soon weakened
reared start, soon in touch, ridden and outpaced from 2f out
Paco Boy is given the vote in this race ahead of Alexandros and Arabian Gleam. The selection has a strike rate of five wins from six outings. His only defeat came on his debut at Kempton last September and he has not been beaten since. He won nicely at Goodwood last time out in this grade and has won on a soft surface as well. He is improving rapidly this summer so with everything once again in his favour he can continue his winning ways. Alexandros won back to back races last season and was only narrowly beaten at Goodwood last time out behind River Proud. Again he has performed well in these conditions in the past so has to be on the short list. Arabian Gleam was the winner of a Group 2 race last year and has been highly tried ever since. The ground though this time will be a worry for connections so is to be treated with caution. So for the winner we return to Paco Boy.
Arabian Gleam 8-1 (9-6) Chased leaders on inside, hard driven over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 5l behind Paco Boy (8-9) at Goodwood 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gd in Jul.
Aeroplane 9-2 (9-2) Dwelt, held up in touch, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 7l behind Ceremonial Jade (9-2) at Great Leighs 6f stk (3) pol in Jul.
Al Qasi (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, held up, hard ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 7th of 9, 7l behind Paco Boy (8-9) at Goodwood 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gd in Jul.
Beaver Patrol (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Started slowly, always behind stands side, 15th of 27, 8l behind Conquest (8-9) at Goodwood 6f hcap (2) gf.
Excusez Moi (USA) 50-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, good headway 2f out, soon ridden, every chance, kept on, hung left final furlong, 4th of 25, 2l behind Laa Rayb (9-7) at Ascot 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Welsh Emperor (IRE) 10-11fav (9-7) Made all, quickened 3f out, driven and kept on final furlong, won at Haydock 7f stk (3) hvy in Jul beating We'll Come (9-1) by 2l, 4 ran.
Paco Boy (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders on outside, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, driven, kept on gamely throughout final furlong, won at Goodwood 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gd in Jul beating Stimulation (8-9) by a nk, 9 ran.
Alexandros 9-2 (9-0) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression on winner over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind River Proud (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3yo lst stk (1) gf.
Il Warrd (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, hung right 2f out, driven over 1f out, one pace, no impression when edged left final furlong, kept on towards finish, 4th of 9, 3l behind Paco Boy (8-9) at Goodwood 7f Yorks Oaks (1) gd in Jul.
Laa Rayb (USA) 17-2 (9-0) Prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed 1f out, no extra, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Ordnance Row (9-0) at Salisbury 1m Grp 3 (1) gs.
