Luis Fernandez is an interesting northern raider who needs keeping on the right side but OPTIMUM TIME (NAP) is given another chance to prove his authoritative debut success at Windsor was no flash in the pan. Perhaps it was a leap too far to go from a maiden at the Thameside venue to Royal Ascot but he should certainly prove competitive returned to calmer waters. Simpson is respected but was arguably disappointing last time when looking to have been found a strong opportunity to go one better after a promising debut at Leicester. Maybe he'll prove more comfortable back on the grass. The market should help to sort out the newcomers, of which Rum Runner, Character Witness and Choosey make most appeal at this stage.
Optimum Time (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 13th of 15, 22 1/4l behind September (8-12) at Ascot 7f lst stks (1) gf in Jun.
Bombastic (IRE) Raven's Pass colt out of Star Of The West.
Character Witness (IRE) Casamento colt out of She's A Character.
Luis Fernandez (USA) 9-4fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden inside final furlong, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Redcar 6f stks (5) gf in May beating Chatburn (9-2) by hd, 14 ran.
Rum Runner Havana Gold colt out of Thermopylae.
Jazz Affair (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) In touch, hard driven over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 12 1/4l behind Grand Koonta (9-2) at Windsor 6f stks (5) gs in Jul.
Mysaan (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, 7th of 8, 8 1/2l behind Klosters (8-11) at Chepstow 6f stks (4) gf in Jun.
Choosey (IRE) Choisir colt out of Petit Chou.
Rainbow Jazz (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Royal Household (9-2) at Goodwood 6f stks (4) gd in Jun.
Simpson (IRE) 10-11fav (9-2) Dwelt, chased leaders, effort over 1f out, hung left under pressure entering final furlong, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 7, 7 1/4l behind Amazing Alice (8-11) at Chelmsford City 6f stks (5) pol in Jun.
Wiltons (FR) Thewayyouare colt out of Pink Sapphire.
Epsom Bounty Bahamian Bounty gelding out of My Amalie.
He's Our Star (IRE) Lord Shanakill colt out of Afilla.
Rio Santos 50-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders on outer, ridden and edged left over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 9 3/4l behind Simply Breathless (8-7) at Salisbury 6f stks (4) gf in Jun.
