Verdict
RAKAAN has shown the best racecourse form of the few to have run here and is preferred to Arabian Pride and Engulf. The Brian Meehan-trained selection finished runner-up in a couple of maidens before making the frame in the Coventry at Royal Ascot and he will find this much easier than both that and the Richmond Stakes that he contested at Goodwood last time. A sound surface suits and he is the one for us. Arabian Pride has made the frame in three of his four starts but has not shown the class of the selection. He is unlucky to have come up against such a quality rival and he will have to wait to break his duck. Engulf begins his career over an ideal trip and is related to plenty of winning stock. The 260,000 euros purchase should not be long in recouping some of that outlay and a good first run would be no surprise. Edinburgh Knight should be capable of putting in a decent display if pedigree is any guide, and the same goes for Saladin's Vow, but we'll take Rakaan to score.
Formwatch
Arabian Pride 10-3 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, driven and stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Taajub (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Broughtons Day Mujahid gelding out of Rainy Day Song.
Edinburgh Knight (IRE) Selkirk colt out of Pippas Song.
Engulf (IRE) Danehill Dancer colt out of All Embracing.
Gabriel's Spirit (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Always in rear, last of 11, 18l behind Taajub (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Rakaan (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Held up in rear on rails, pushed along halfway, soon switched right, edged left and bumped just inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 6l behind Dick Turpin (9-0) at Goodwood 6f 2yo stks (1) gd in Jul.
Saladin's Vow (USA) Broken Vow colt out of Morena Park.
Tenga Venga Beat Hollow gelding out of Fanny's Fancy.
Gessabelle 200-1 (8-8) Always in rear, last of 7, 15l behind Hairspray (9-0) at Newmarket 6f 2yo stks (3) gs in Jul.
Granite Girl Kyllachy filly out of Native Ring.
No Complaining (IRE) Alhaarth filly out of Rambler.
