led, headed over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders, weakened over 3f out
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, rallied and regained lead over 1f out, headed towards finish
close up, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 3f out, challenged well over 1f out, stayed on gamely to lead towards finish
held up in rear, effort over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
Spanish Hidalgo is a solid choice and is preferred to Veewouden and Gull Wing, while it would also dangerous to underestimate Frank Sonata despite his long absence from competitive action. The last named has not raced since trailing home last in the Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp in 2006; so he is obviously likely to come on for the run whatever happens. Still, it is worth bearing in mind that, fitness aside, he is a previous winner of this race and has very little to prove at this level. Gull Wing is unexposed at the trip and, having won a valuable handicap at York last year, she is capable of holding her own against the colts. Michael Bell has made a good start to the campaign and this daughter of In The Wings is an interesting contender on these terms. Veewouden made good strides last season, rising from a handicap mark of 77 to finishing third in the (Group 3) Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket when she was last seen out. She also gets the fillies allowance and can make this a good test. However, Spanish Hidalgo ¿ winner of the Italian St Leger last term ¿ has the most convincing profile at this stage. John Dunlop¿s charge stays the trip very well, should not be fazed by the state of the ground and, as he holds a number of these from last season¿s efforts, he is expected to be the one they all have to beat again today.
Frank Sonata 29-1 (9-4) Prominent, weakened quickly 2f out, last of 10, 24l behind Montare (9-1) at Longchamp 1m 7f Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct '06.
Hawridge Prince 16-1 (9-0) Held up, improved 6f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out, 6th of 8, 17l behind Royal And Regal (8-4) at Newmarket 2m Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Shipmaster 33-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders in 4th, pushed along 3f out, soon outpaced, 6th of 11, 4l behind Soapy Danger (9-1) at Ascot 2m 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Jun '06.
Spanish Hidalgo (IRE) 9-10fav (9-3) Prominent, 3rd on inside straight, pushed along to challenge over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 8th of 10, 25l behind Place In Line at Capannelle 1m 6f lst stk (1) hvy in Nov.
Bogside Theatre (IRE) 7-1 (9-9) Prominent, ridden along over 3f out, driven to chase winner over 1f out, not much room and switched right, kept on, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Broughtons Revival (9-10) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in Sept.
Gull Wing (IRE) 4-1co-fav (8-10) Held up mid-division, ridden and not much room over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Gower Song (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2f lst fll stk (1) gf in Nov.
Veenwouden 14-1 (8-1) Held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Royal And Regal (8-4) at Newmarket 2m Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct.
Ashmolian (IRE) 25-1 (9-9) Prominent, chased leaders over 2f out, no extra, one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Dreams Jewel (10-0) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (5) pol in Mar.
