Godolphin

9 ran 2m10.27  
Owner: Godolphin

Solid Group 2 standard from the winner, who had more in reserve, but the level of competition wasn't what it might have been, neither of the next 2 in the market at their best, the false gallop counting against Curtain Call; the field again tracked across to the stand rail in the straight. KIRKLEES (IRE) has a high-class performance in him when required, and while Sea The Stars will almost certainly prove too formidable if he comes back for the International here next month, he could well add to the Group 1 success he gained in Italy at 2 yrs if going back on his travels; his listed success at Sandown had been endorsed in both listed and Group 2 company since then, and he certainly wasn't stretched here, sensibly kept handy and leading on the bridle approaching the last 2f, just pushed out to win with authority.ALLIED POWERS (IRE)' Group 2 placing possibly owed something to the underperformance of others, but it represented a further advance in his form, coming from a poor position on the day, still strong at the finish, good going clearly no problem, though given his record on soft it may be that he does better again into the autumn. KINGS GAMBIT (SAF) established himself internationally in Dubai when trained by Herman Brown (had previously won 2 South African Group 1s), and produced a similarly smart performance starting out in Britain, passed by the runner-up late, though maintaining his gradual headway all the same; he's proven at up to 12f, and reportedly may head abroad for his next start. CURTAIN CALL (FR) is undoubtedly Group 2 standard, winning in this grade at 2 yrs, though 10f is a bare minimum for him these days (heavy ground when winning Mooresbridge), a false gallop such as here making for too much of a speed test for him, sensibly kept handy, too. MONITOR CLOSELY (IRE) has had his limitations exposed in pattern company, showing his form here for all he'd taken a while a settle, seeing things out again as he stuck more towards the middle, once more offering hope that 12f may help him. TAZEEZ (USA) has claims at Group 2 company, for all Group 1 has proved too much, this by no means his running, sweating and generally looking dull in his coat beforehand, going out tamely after being allowed an easy lead. SMOKEY OAKEY (IRE) no more than ticks over on good or firmer going, conditions on the soft side needed for him to show his best, and as such Newbury is probably the best guide to him at present. HALICARNASSUS (IRE) is decidedly in and out, this one of his lesser efforts. MACORVILLE (USA) developed into a very useful staying handicapper in 2007, when also fourth to Yeats in a falsely-run Irish Leger (possibly flattered), and at least got back on the racecourse here, looking in good shape, having no chance of getting competitive though, needing 14f+ ideally, tending to save his best for going softer than good, too.