Expert Analysis

It can often be challenging to review a meeting when the rain has fallen most of the afternoon. This was no exception as it was very difficult to be sure when the good ground became good to soft and then softer still. Reading the post-race comments of the jockeys involved with this race the general consensus seemed to be that the ground was riding good to soft on the chase course at this point of the afternoon.

JANGO BAIE Many of the pundits appeared to be most impressed with this performance and it was certainly pleasing to the eye to see this winner gradually draw clear of his rivals in between the final two fences. As always, the most important question is, what was he drawing clear of? The runner up arguably did not quite see out the trip, and I think we may see him improve when faced with a less stamina sapping race. Pic D’Orhy dropped right away very quickly, and Il Est Francais failed to run a race leaving the outsider and non-stayer Master Chewy as the other finisher. Jango Baie may turn out to be top class when competing over three miles; nonetheless, the actual quality of this form still leaves him with plenty to prove before we can begin to mark him up as a festival grade one contender. For now, I will remain open minded as to how far up the pecking order he can go.

GIDLEIGH PARK This was an excellent seasonal debut performance and one that suggests we may see him put to better effect given a slightly less demanding test of stamina. The fact that he tired in the home straight accentuated the winner’s margin of victory.

PIC D’ORHY The rain-softened ground was not in his favour and, as a consequence, he dropped away very quickly in the home straight to finish a long way behind the first two horses. This was also tough at the front end for a horse that needs to lead.

MASTER CHEWY Presumably he was competing here in the hope of picking up prize money should anything go wrong for any of his rivals. He did just that with the French-bred horse not completing the course. Master Chewy has yet to show that he can stay this sort of trip even in lesser company than he faced here.

IL EST FRANCAIS Another baffling performance from a horse that has tended to be a bit hit and miss. He was also pulled up in his prep run before the 2024 King George and so his connections will be hoping he can turn around this form as positively as he did the year before.