Verdict

Gabrial finished a respectable fifth in the St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot last time just ahead of Saigon while there was little between Sovereign Debt and Red Duke in the Jersey Stakes when Eastern Sun was well beaten. Mister Music has been running well in handicaps though Richard Hughes prefers Crius, who finished a tailed off last in the Tercentenary at Royal Ascot three weeks ago behind fourth placed MUKHADRAM. The latter ran out of steam in the closing stages over the 1m2f on that occasion but will appreciate the drop back in distance and gets the vote with further progress expected.

Formwatch

Crius (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Pulled very hard, held up in rear, went to race alone on far rail 7f out, never on terms, tailed off and eased final 4f, bit appeared to slip through mouth, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Energizer (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Jun.

Saigon 100-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden 3f out, kept on final furlong, never on terms, 7th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Most Improved (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.

Eastern Sun (IRE) 66-1 (9-1) Always towards rear, never on terms, 14th of 22, 8l behind Ishvana (8-12) at Royal Ascot 7f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jun.

Mister Music 50-1 (9-4) Raced far side, held up, headway on rails over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 29, 1 1/4l behind Fast Or Free (8-10) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Jun.

Gabrial (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 16, 4l behind Most Improved (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Jun.

Mukhadram 13-2 (9-0) Held up in mid-divison, headway on outside over 2f out, went 2nd briefly over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, no extra in 4th close home, 4th of 10, 5l behind Energizer (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Jun.

Red Duke (USA) 25-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, stayed on same pace over 1f out, 10th of 22, 2 3/4l behind Ishvana (8-12) at Royal Ascot 7f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jun.

Sovereign Debt (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 9th of 22, 2 3/4l behind Ishvana (8-12) at Royal Ascot 7f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Jun.