held up, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never able to challenge
keen, close up, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up, ridden over 2f out, effort over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden to challenge winner over 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong
made all, ridden 2f out, found extra when challenged inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always in rear
pulled hard, tracked winner, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
Nonrunner
MYSTERY STAR can take this handicap at the main expense of Proponent and Charlie Cool. The Mark Tompkins-trained selection put up a very good effort in context when runner-up to Seeking The Buck at Epsom last time, and although his conqueror has subsequently been beaten it was a very competitive contest and so the Epsom form should not be discredited. Charlie Cool won a decent turf handicap at Nad Al Sheba in February and has not been seen since. He has some very good form in context here, and John Gosden has returned to better form this week so he has a big chance. Proponent is slipping back down somewhere near his last winning mark, but he is not there yet and may again have to settle for a bit part. Dream Of Fortune is ultra-consistent on artificial surfaces but has never made the frame on turf. He might be short on class at this level too, and we will readily oppose. Sri Kuantan has generally been well placed to win a few quid and will want this to be a stiff test given his proven stamina, but again he might find it a bit too tough and likely improver Wintercast looks a better proposition. Mystery Star is given the vote.
Charlie Cool 10-1 (8-7) Settled rear; going well 600m out; switched to rail 300m out; ran on to lead last 50m, won at Nad Al Sheba(UAE) 1m 2f hcp 0-110 gf in Feb beating Without A Prayer (9-0) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Proponent (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) In touch, effort and ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1 3/4l behind Dunn'o (9-1) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gd in May.
Mystery Star (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, fourth straight, chased winner 2f out, driven and strong challenge over 1f out, stayed on throughout final furlong, held towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Seeking The Buck (9-1) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f hcp (2) gd.
Wintercast 5-2fav (9-7) Steadied start, held up, headway into mid-division halfway, chased leaders 3f out, went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Australia Day (9-9) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
Alazeyab (USA) 33-1 (9-7) Held up mid-division, ridden and no impression 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 9l behind Aqwaal (8-8) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (2) sft in May.
Dream of Fortune (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Held up in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 4th of 6, 4l behind Stand Guard (9-4) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Sri Kuantan (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Led, ridden when headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Wind Star (9-2) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Grand Passion (IRE) 16-1 (9-7) Towards rear, some headway inside final 2f, never in contention, 9th of 13, 10l behind Covert Ambition (9-6) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
