close up, ridden, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden, led over 1f out, headed 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, not clear run, switched left 1f out, stayed on same pace
held up, headway over 1f out, ridden, led, edged right 1f out, ridden, ran on
led, edged left over 2f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
close up, ridden halfway, no impression final 3f
Bollin Eric can gain a deserved first success of the season, the selection having most to fear from Gamut and High Accolade. This race provides a fascinating clash between the generations but Bollin Eric, just touched off in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, has proven this season that he can live with the best at 12 furlongs and can land this Group 2 event before taking his place in the 'King George' line-up. High Accolade has progressed nicely this season, winning the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood before improving again for the step up to today's trip to land the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal Meeting. The 15lbs he receives from Bollin Eric could make things interesting. Sir Michael Stoute runs Gamut, whose Listed win at Newbury last time showed that he is progressive, and he looks set to go well also. The 2001 St Leger winner, Bandari, was four lengths behind the selection at Ascot and reopposes on the same terms, while Millenary's presence means that we have three of the last four St Leger winners in the field. John Dunlop's six-year-old remains in good heart, won this race last year, and will be equipped with blinkers for the first time on Wednesday. He is also the joint second-highest rated in the race - the highest official rating being Bandari. However, we are prepared to oppose him on this occasion. Zindabad also has three-and-a-half lengths to find on Hardwicke Stakes form. It's an intriguing race but Bollin Eric might just be able to gain a deserved win.
