Expert Analysis

The Dee Stakes is yet another contest that has been farmed by Aidan O’Brien. Constitution River became his fifth winner of the race in a row and the eighth in nine years. The race was run at an even pace (103.01% FSP), which set it up perfectly for the eventual winner to produce a good figure. Previous winners of this race have taken a variety of paths afterwards, but I’m not sure any (in recent memory at least) have been as impressive as Constitution River. Cliffs Of Moher finished second in a Derby after success here, while Circus Maximus ended up being a Group 1 winning miler. It is hard to be definitive about Constitution River’s best trip right now, but he is clearly a horse of great ability.

CONSTITUTION RIVER stamped his class all over this contest. He was always travelling well behind the front pair and was doing it with such ease that Ryan Moore had the luxury of waiting for the gap to appear up the inside in the home straight. He showed a real change of gear, and I loved how he put distance between himself and his rivals. The real question arising from this effort is if he will stay further. The way he relaxes gives him every chance and he was very professional here in that regard. He had good juvenile form last season at seven furlongs, but the noises were positive around him early in the season and there is little doubt this was a big step forward on what he achieved last year in terms of level of performance. He is clearly very good at this trip, but that is not to say he won’t be effective over further. I thought there was a sprinkling of stardust in this effort, and he looks like a high-class colt for the season ahead. It will be interesting to see if he goes to the Epsom Derby or the French equivalent. Wherever he goes, he is likely to have plenty of supporters.

GENERIC was no match for the winner, but time may tell that there was no disgrace in that. He had just a novice win to his name prior to this so is certainly entitled to improve for this experience. He came from the rear of the field, not always travelling fluently, but stuck to his task. Generic didn’t have the acceleration of the winner, but it was a notable step forward from previous efforts and he could stay further too.

GOLDEN STORY ran a funny sort of race. A little similar to Generic, he ran in snatches and looked like he didn’t really handle the track. He was badly outpaced as the race developed but did run on again late in the day to grab third near the line, suggesting a more conventional track and a step up in trip could both help him better this effort. Softer ground might also be more suitable.

SHAYEM was the most experienced horse in the line-up coming into the race, but probably didn’t improve on his best form, which was useful last season (including a third behind Bow Echo). He doesn’t seem to be progressing this year and faded quite badly up the home straight here.

FLUSHING MEADOWS was here to make the pace for the favourite but missed the kick and had to settle for keeping Shayem honest. He did manage that to be fair, but that was about all and he had no answer in the closing stages.