Verdict

MAJOR PHIL can fend off strong challenges from Clockmaker and Rule Breaker. Luca Cumani's colt was too keen over ten furlongs last time and he should appreciate the return to a mile on good ground. His mark of 88 doesn't leave much room for negotiation but his previous beating of Mac's Power in a similar race at Doncaster reads well and he can take another step forward. Clockmaker certainly did that when winning comfortably at Kempton back in June; he has been given a break since but if supported again in the betting he could repeat the dose now returned to turf. South Cape is another who, like the selection, will appreciate a drop back down in trip, whilst the easier company this afternoon will suit Kay Gee Be. Of the rest Cape Rock makes more appeal than Directorship or the consistent Truism, whilst Julienas could be anything after a comfortable maiden win at Windsor but this mark of 84 demands improvement.

Formwatch

Clockmaker (IRE) 6-4fav (9-8) Held up towards rear, pushed along 4f out, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven and stayed on well, won at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun beating Red Somerset (9-12) by 3l, 14 ran.

Major Phil (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Always towards rear, pushed along 3f out, one pace and struggling final 2f, 8th of 13, 11l behind Emerging Artist (9-5) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Jul.

General Eliott (IRE) 11-4 (9-13) Held up in 4th, lost place over 4f out, soon ridden and outpaced, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 34l behind Lang Shining (9-6) at Chester 1m 2f clm stks (5) gf in Jun.

South Cape 8-1 (9-5) Dwelt, in rear, not troubled leaders, 6th of 9, 10l behind Mirror Lake (8-12) at Goodwood 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.

Kay Gee Be (IRE) 10-1 (9-11) Always behind, 17th of 19, 23l behind Start Right (9-4) at Goodwood 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.

Truism 7-2fav (9-5) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 15, 2 3/4l behind Elliptical (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 1f app hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.

Cape Rock 20-1 (9-10) Raced wide towards rear, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden hung right and stayed on from over 1f out, not pace to threaten leaders, 8th of 19, 5l behind Start Right (9-4) at Goodwood 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.

Directorship 12-1 (9-7) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, 8th of 15, 6l behind Suited And Booted (9-6) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jul.

Summer Dancer (IRE) 12-1 (9-9) In rear, ridden 2f out, no impression, last of 7, 4l behind Watch Amigo (9-7) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.

Julienas (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon in command, eased near finish, won at Windsor 1m 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gf in Jul beating Sasheen (8-12) by 3l, 13 ran.

Rule Breaker (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Tracked leading trio, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, led briefly approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Lost In The Moment (9-6) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.

Black N Brew (USA) 10-1 (9-10) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well (no time taken), won at Sandown 1m app hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul beating Trafalgar Square (8-9) by 1/2l, 11 ran.

Halsion Chancer 4-1 (9-5) Took keen hold, held up in 6th, effort on outside 3f out, hard ridden 2f out, no impression, 6th of 7, 8l behind Tartan Trip (9-5) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.

Mufti (IRE) 3-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, led 3f out, edged left from 2f out, clear over 1f out, driven out, won at Newcastle 1m mdn stks 0-70 (5) gf beating Egmarey (8-12) by 4l, 7 ran.

First Post (IRE) 2-1fav (8-8) Raced alone in centre, well on terms when hung left to join main group stands side over 3f out and driven, ridden and every chance 2f out, stayed on to 2nd close home, no impression on winner, 2nd of 9, 2 3/4l behind Avonrose (8-5) at Ascot 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.