Expert Analysis

This is usually a fairly significant race in the 2yo Calendar – won by the likes of Too Darn Hot and Chaldean in recent years – but this year’s renewal looks weaker than usual, none of the top juveniles to date on show and the 104-rated favourite Chancellor withdrawn at the start having broken through his stall. Two of the remaining quintet clearly failed to run their race, and it is possible that even the winner’s substandard 107 figure is too high. The pace was a bit stop-start, with the winner’s 23.82s for the final 2f equal to a 101.6% finishing speed on what was borderline “good” and “good to soft” ground.

BAY CITY ROLLER (107 here, 92+ previously) retained his unbeaten record and probably put up a very useful effort, though this was a depleted field. He raced in third and travelled comfortably before making smooth headway to lead well over 1f out, ridden in the final 1f and responding well. There is a fair bit of stamina on his dam’s side and 8f should suit him at least as well.

MONUMENTAL (106 here, 97+ previously) has improved with each run, turning in a decidedly useful effort here and seeming to have every chance, held up (initially some way back) until closing at halfway and challenging in the final 1f. He will probably stay 8f, though not necessarily further.

AFTERMATH (98 here, 85+ previously) is a rangy, scopey individual who could well make a better 3yo, likely to win before then if connections choose as this represents useful form. He raced in second before leading briefly 2f out, one paced thereafter. 8f/10f should suit him.

WOLF OF BADENOCH (76 here, 103 previously) failed dismally to confirm his Goodwood form, like there pushed along from an early stage (initially steadied well into rear), but this time only briefly responding. It is early days, but there is a chance he is not straightforward.

RIGHTHERE RIGHTNOW (73 here, 95+ previously) had impressed when making all against ordinary opposition on his only previous start but spoilt his chance by going freely in front here, headed 2f out and soon beaten.