held up, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong but not reached leaders
led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong
chased leader, ridden and challenged 2f out, not quicken final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, soon beaten
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
held up towards rear, switched right and ridden to challenge 3f out, headway and joined leader over 1f out, hard ridden final furlong, led final stride
held up, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear, no impression
held up rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression
in touch and hung left early, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden and challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, hard ridden final furlong, headed last stride
The Totesport Sovereign Stakes, now elevated to Group 3 status, can go to Lucky Story over Ancient World, Norse Dancer and Hurricane Alan to name but three. This is a quality race, but as Lucky Story escapes a penalty for his Group 2 victories, Mark Johnston's three-year-old is taken to return where he left off by reeling off a fifth straight win. Winner of both the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last season, the son of Dr Fong suffered a setback when being prepared for his return in the spring and was given plenty of time to recover. Reported to be working as well as ever at Middleham, Lucky Story has conditions in his favour and can gain another Group success. Godolphin relies on Ancient World who beat a big field in the William Hill Mile at Goodwood, and as he has settled down since being gelded, the four-year-old can prove that he deserves a crack at this level. Norse Dancer has consistently taken on Group 1 company during his career so will appreciate this slightly easier company, but the fact remains that he is hard to win with and he is worth opposing, while last year's winner Passing Glance has to shoulder a five-pound penalty. With the likes of Hurricane Alan and Shot To Fame in the line-up as well, it has the makings of a cracking contest that can go to one of last year's leading juveniles Lucky Story.
