led after 3f, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, hung left well over 1f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
held up, ridden over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out
led for 3f, chased leader, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
Sir Michael Stoute can again prove to be the main man when his Regal Royale attempts to bridge the gap from maiden winner to Listed-class performer. Ashaawes and Araafa are the main obstacles in his way, although Palace Episode showed a good attitude on his debut and this well regarded son of Machiavellian could be the surprise package of the race. Araafa was the first of Jeremy Noseda's two-year-olds to win a race this season and shapes as if he has a bright future ahead of him. Like a few of the rest, he does need to find a bit more improvement this afternoon. But he is entitled to take his chance in this higher grade on the limited evidence available. Ashaawes has an intriguing mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree. He is a Derby entry but is likely to make more appeal as a miler in due course. He won his maiden well at Newmarket and is also respected with his claims. However, Regal Royale has all the ticks in the right boxes and there will be a lot of expectation heaped upon him to deliver the goods today. The Cheveley Park Stud have a vested interest in him performing up to scratch and although he is unlikely to be a bank-bursting price, Regal Royale is the logical option today.
Ashaawes (USA) 11-8fav (9-0) Dwelt, held up, headway to lead 3f out, ridden out, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul beating Charlie Cool (9-0) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Jamieson Gold (IRE) 2-7fav (9-0) Chased leaders, shaken up over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Pontefract 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd beating Amy Louise (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Palace Episode (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to lead inside final furlong, pushed out, won at Catterick 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul beating Johannes (9-0) by 1l, 10 ran.
Regal Royale 9-2 (8-11) Led after 1f, quickened over 1f out, driven clear inside final furlong, readily, won at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul beating Doctor Dash (8-11) by 2l, 16 ran.
Araafa (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, chased leaders, pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead near finish, won at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Jul beating Kilworth (9-0) by a nk, 11 ran.
Certain Circles (USA) 9-2 (9-0) Dwelt, headway after 2f, switched right 1f out, led inside final furlong, cleverly, won at Bath 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) frm in Jul beating Archon Star (9-0) by a nk, 11 ran.
Lake Poet (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Held up, driven over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Regal Royale (8-11) at Newbury 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Jul.
Silver Blue (IRE) 11-4jt-fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, soon ridden, led over 1f out, soon clear, saddle slipped and dismounted after line, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol in Jul beating Kingscape (9-0) by 8l, 13 ran.
