made all, quickened over 1f out, driven inside final furlong, held on gamely
hampered start, held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden over 2f out, one pace
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression
in rear, headway on outer 2f out, soon ridden, one pace
prominent, chased winner 2f out, ridden and edged left just inside final furlong, driven and hung right towards finish, just failed
went right start, soon chased winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
Prolific is taken to land a first success in Pattern company although he may not have things all his own way this afternoon. The selection is the clear form pick following his third to South Central in the Norfolk Stakes although there's a slight concern about how well he'll see out this sixth furlong on a stiff track. There's also plenty to like about his performances prior to his Royal Ascot run as he scored readily from the useful Brae Hill on debut before narrowly failing to get the better of Danehill Destiny at Windsor. That defeat came on rain-softened ground which would raise another doubt if the ground were to come up soft but he was only beaten by half a length on that occasion and it would be difficult to conclusively argue that he failed to handle the conditions. Classic Blade looked a strong galloping type when winning a fair little heat at Salisbury last time on ground that was faster than ideal; he's progressing along the right lines and won't be an easy horse to get past. Effort hasn't won since debut but wasn't beaten far in the Windsor Castle and his pedigree suggests that he should improve for this longer trip and will also be at home with cut in the ground; his yard is beginning to find top gear and he's another that merits respect. Viva Ronaldo has done well so far but needs to take another step forward to trouble the best of these whilst it's hard to gauge the challenge of the once raced Sayif who takes up this engagement rather than the novice stakes later on the card. Peter Chapple-Hyam has won two of the last four runnings and the colt was heavily backed on debut; he should improve for that experience and has to be respected given his trainer's record but the yard has only had one juvenile winner this season and this is a big hike in class. We do have the odd misgiving but PROLIFIC sets the standard and is selected.
