in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, unable to trouble leaders, kept on one pace final furlong
held up, headway to challenge over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, just outpaced by winner 75 yards, took 2nd final stride
close up, ridden over 1f out, soon outpaced, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, not pace to challenge, weakened quickly final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to press leader over 1f out, led inside final furlong, asserted final 75 yards, driven out
led narrowly, pressed from 2f out, headed inside final 2f, kept on well but no chance with leaders final furlong
behind, in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out, soon beaten
with leader, ridden to lead inside final 2f, soon pressed, edged right and headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd final stride
started slowly, went left start, always last, never dangerous, no chance when eased inside final furlong
GALLAGHER can gain an overdue Pattern race success at the main expense of Lord Shanakill and Masamah although it would be no surprise to see Marine Boy go well. Marine Boy was backed as though defeat was out of the question in the Gimcrack but failed to deliver. The yard closed its doors for a short while and it's difficult to know how much he was affected by the cloud hanging over the stable and whether he is back to his best so he just cannot be supported with confidence. There are no such problems with siding with Gallagher who appeared a shade unfortunate not to win the Richmond at Goodwood before losing little caste in defeat behind Bushranger in a French Group 1. He's clearly a high class performer and can make the most of this opportunity. Lord Shanakill is a worthy opponent but has a couple of lengths to find with the Meehan colt on their running at Deauville; he'll be suited by the return to racing over six. Sayif has twice made the frame in Group 2s and will be fancied to make his presence felt again but he does need to improve and the unbeaten Masamah is likely to emerge as a bigger threat. He is clearly talented but has his quirks and has so much pace that there must be a possibility that others will be stronger in the finish at this trip. The strong travelling Damien isn't underestimated but Gallagher is no morning glory and can keep the dream alive.
Damien (IRE) 11-2fav (8-6) Held up stand's side group, led going well 1f out, soon under pressure, headed towards finish, 2nd of 21, nk behind Awinnersgame (8-9) at Doncaster 6f 2yo aut (2) sft.
Gallagher 8-1 (9-0) Always close up, led well over 1f out to 150yds out, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Bushranger (9-0) at Deauville 6f Grp 1 (1) gs in Aug.
Icesolator (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) In touch, driven along halfway, weakened 2f out, 10th of 11, 9l behind Finjaan (9-0) at Goodwood 5f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jul.
Khor Dubai (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Steadied start, in rear, plenty to do 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Elnawin (9-0) at Kempton 6f 2yo Grp 3 (1) pol.
Lord Shanakill (USA) 7-2 (9-0) Held up, headway 2f out, switched left and effort over 1f out, ran on but not reach leaders, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Madame Trop Vite (8-11) at Doncaster 5f 2yo Grp 2 (1) sft.
Marine Boy (IRE) 11-8fav (8-12) Led, joined halfway, headed over 2f out, weakened soon after, 7th of 12, 7l behind Shaweel (8-12) at Newbury 6f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gs in Aug.
Masamah (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (9-5) Made all, ridden over 1f out, quickened and in command final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 5f nov stk (5) pol in Aug beating Art Preview (9-5) by 2l, 6 ran.
Sayif (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Bumped start, took keen hold and held up, switched out over 2f out, headway and driven to chase leaders over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Orizaba (9-0) at Goodwood 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Jul.
Sign of Approval 2-1 (8-8) Steadied start, took keen hold, held up, headway and squeezed through entering final furlong, soon pressing winner, strong challenge, just failed, 2nd of 4, shd behind Portugese Caddy (9-2) at Folkestone 6f nov stk (4) sft.
