Expert Analysis

This Group 2 for the fillies and mares’ had an open look to it beforehand and that is how it played out with a tight finish between three of the six-strong field. In the end, GOODIE TWO SHOES just got up on the line despite a troubled passage to pip Santorini Star, the long-time leader, by the minimum. Last year’s winner, Waardah, was just a head further away in third.

GOODIE TWO SHOES continued the fine spell for Joseph O’Brien in going two better than a year ago, her only previous attempt in a Group 2. Held up initially, she gradually edged closer in the middle of the contest and sat third on the inside turning for home. When others moved wide for a run, Dylan Browne McMonagle was happy to wait. It didn’t look likely for a while, but she eventually got the gap a furlong out and just did enough to get her head in front on the line.

SANTORINI STAR nearly made all, only headed right on the line. She set an even pace, but then attempted to stretch them at the top of the home straight and was only just denied. It was a good effort under the penalty and bar her Ascot blip, she continues to be thoroughly consistent while managing to progress, even if it is subtle.

WAARDAH returned from a short break and was unable to repeat last year’s success. She was possibly slightly further back than ideal, supported by her efficiency grade of D in the sectional tools above, with a finishing speed percentage for the final three furlongs of 111.59%.

CONSENT possibly wants softer ground and didn’t find much for pressure here. She raced in second, tracking Santorini Star, but couldn’t go with that rival in the penultimate furlong and faded late on.

AMELIA EARHART has questions to answer now after a third disappointing effort in a row. She travelled okay here and perhaps just didn’t stay but her effort off the bridle left a bit to be desired.

DANIELLE hated this ground to my eye. I think she really needs soft ground these days and didn’t give her true running here, beaten a long way out.