tracked leaders, led just inside final furlong, ridden out
led, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, kept on well
tracked leader, every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
behind, headway over 1f out, never nearer
always towards rear, tailed off
in touch, hung badly right from over 3f out, lost place over 1f out
in touch, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on well
held up towards rear, weakened over 2f out
behind, ran green, headway over 1f out, never on terms
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, driven 3f out, soon beaten
REGAL FLUSH is Godolphin's first string in a race that bears their name and looks capable of landing this prize with Speed Gifted and Buccellati feared most. It is the first time that the selection has raced over this trip since winning a handicap for Sir Michael Stoute in August of last year but he should retain sufficient speed to be effective in this grade. He has struggled for his new yard but a convincing success at Salisbury should have done wonders for his confidence and bodes well for his chances here. Confidence is an issue for Speed Gifted as this is the first run since he was brought down in the melee at Chester. He is without a win this year but he remains a lightly raced, promising individual who has to be feared. Buccellati hasn't appeared to be the easiest ride but he has plenty of ability and a decent record. He finished in front of Love Galore and Gravitas in a Turkish Group 2 last time and should be challenging for a share of the prize money. Ezdiyaad hasn't really built on his two early season wins but his yard is going well now and he may appreciate the return to racing on a sounder surface whilst Duncan won his maiden impressively and, as a half-brother to Samuel, should relish this step up in trip. The form book leaves them with a little to find with the main protagonists though and Red Gala is awarded our vote.
Buccellati (9-6) In touch, kept on under pressure, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Inspector (9-6) at Veliefendi 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) std in Sept.
Classic Punch (IRE) 25-1 (9-9) Tracked leader to over 4f out, gradually weakened from 3f out, last of 14, 19l behind Metaphoric (9-6) at Ascot 2m hcp (2) gs in Jul.
Ezdiyaad (IRE) 9-2 (9-8) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 5th of 12, 14l behind Perks (8-0) at Haydock 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) hvy in Aug.
Gravitas (9-6) Held up, headway 2f out, one pace, 6th of 7, 7l behind Inspector (9-6) at Veliefendi 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) std in Sept.
New Beginning (IRE) 22-1 (9-9) Led, ridden and headed 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 11, 16l behind She's Our Lass (9-6) at Beverley 1m 2f hcap (4) hvy in Sept.
Regal Flush 11-10fav (9-2) Prominent, led after 3f, ridden over 2f out, pushed clear final furlong, easily, won at Salisbury 1m 6f stk (2) gd in Sept beating Hawridge Prince (9-2) by 3l, 7 ran.
Speed Gifted 11-2 (9-11) Raced keenly, mid-division, pushed along when brought down in race won by Red Gala (9-9) at Chester 1m 5f lst hcp (1) gf in Aug, 12 ran.
Strategic Mount 3-1 (9-1) Steadied start and switched left, held up, headway on inside over 2f out, ridden and outpaced final furlong, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Foxhaven (9-1) at Chester 1m 4f lst stk (1) gs in Sept.
Duncan 10-11fav (9-3) Raced keenly, mid-division, smooth headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon driven clear, eased towards finish, won at Pontefract 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gs in Sept beating Mubrook (9-3) by 5l, 17 ran.
Love Galore (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Held up in mid-divisione, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 13th of 20, 14l behind Presvis (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Sept.
Whistledownwind 33-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, weakened over 3f out, eased over 1f out, 12th of 14, 43l behind Conduit (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 7f Grp 1 (1) sft in Sept.
