Expert Analysis

The juvenile performance of the season among the boys in Britain this season was produced here by DESERT CASTLE, for this viewer at least. This was a dominant display, in a year where the juvenile colts haven’t really set the world alight thus far, although admittedly plenty will have opportunities between now and the end of the season.

DESERT CASTLE sweated up in the preliminaries but that was the biggest moment of worry for his supporters. He was always comfortable during the race, travelling well at the rear before making headway stylishly as the race developed and kicking clear when asked. He did momentarily threaten to hang when he hit the front, but that was probably just greenness and when Billy Loughnane got hold of him, he straightened up again quickly. He powered through the line to complete a performance of immense potential, and he is rightly at the top of the 2000 Guineas market.

SERGEI DIAGHILEV led at a steady pace and was able to dictate through the early part of the race. He added some pace at halfway, but the writing was on the wall as the winner loomed up a couple of furlongs out. Sergei Diaghilev was no match for the winner, but he did fight off Gentle Hurricane from the furlong pole to finish a clear second.

BREACHER was held up off the pace. He was badly outpaced as the tempo lifted before staying on again in the closing stages to grab third from the tiring Gentle Hurricane inside the final 100 yards. He already looks like he is crying out for further.

GENTLE HURRICANE travelled well and was the first to challenge the early leader. He was losing that battle when the winner went by the pair of them approaching the furlong pole. He weakened close home to lose another place near the finish.

SILVER DOMINION was prominent but weakened quickly after coming under pressure and finished tailed off.