Expert Analysis

The anticipated showdown between Trueshan and Stradivarius did not materialise again, as the former was withdrawn on account of ground which was still quite quick at this stage but which eased subsequently. In the event, Stradivarius did not have to be at even his recent best to win easily, but he and Dettori treated us to a fine spectacle, as they cruised up before dispatching the opposition only after the latter had thrown them some theatrical. The pace was steady early, but the runners were soon strung out, the winner putting in four successive sub-12.0s furlongs late in the race to underline just how quick he is by staying standards.     

STRADIVARIUS (113+ here, 118 previously) did not have to be at even his recent best, but won with such contemptuous ease that no-one should imagine he is anything other than back on his “A” game. He raced in fourth, several lengths off the pace, cruised through halfway up the straight then settled the issue with his trademark burst of speed, value more.

ALERTA ROJA (104 here, 96 previously) probably improved further, having gone close in Germany since her Ascot handicap win, racing freely and tracking, every chance from halfway up the straight until the winner settled the matter. 

NAYEF ROAD (103 here, 106 previously) ran respectably judged on recent form, if less so going back further, racing in second until leading briefly around 2f out then fading.

RODRIGO DIAZ (99 here, 104 previously) was not at his best, without being disgraced, driven early in the straight and never mustering enough to challenge.

EAGLES BY DAY (98 here, 111? previously) continues out of form, never a threat.

THE GRAND VISIR (97 here, 104 previously) third in this last year, dropped away having led until over 2f out, a bit below form.