Expert Analysis

The joint-largest Derby field since Kris Kin led home 20 runners in 2003, and it would have been clear second in that respect had Ruling Court not been withdrawn late on due to “going” (whatever that means without further context). That going started the day at “good to soft”, much like 24 hours before, but got slower from mid-card onwards, nonetheless still in the G/S category at this stage as race 5 of 8. This was a race run at a strong pace in which few got into it, and the majority in the 2^nd half of the field failed to give their running for 1 reason or another, which rather undermines the assessment of it, Lambourn a deserving and very smart winner but likely a little below the usual winning standard in terms of ratings. His final 2f of 24.75s translates to a 106.5% finishing speed, where around 108% is par for this unique course and distance.

LAMBOURN (119 here, 115 previously) clearly achieved more than had seemed likely when beating Lazy Griff in the Chester Vase the time before, with both horses putting their stamina to good effect in a race which placed the emphasis on that. It was Lambourn’s jockey who guaranteed that by rousting his mount along to lead early and then pressing on further mid-race, a few lengths up early in the home straight and staying on strongly, just pushed out vigorously near the end. The Irish Derby is an obvious target for him (providing he or something else turns it into a true test) and perhaps the St Leger thereafter. He is a very smart colt but probably slightly below the usual winning standard for this race.

LAZY GRIFF (113 here and previously) was beaten a bit further by Lambourn here than he had been at Chester but probably ran to a similar level, pushed along early to race quite close up, moving into 2^nd over 2f out and staying on steadily. He will need to raise his game to win a G1 (or even possibly a G2) but has already won a G3 and should have plenty of options, here and abroad.

TENNESSEE STUD (111+ here, 110 previously) ran really well and probably deserves a bit of extra credit, a bit slowly away and mostly mid to rear, still with more ahead of him than behind early in the home straight then staying on well up the inner and getting up for 3^rd late on. There could be better still to come from him, at this trip or further.

NEW GROUND (111+ here, 102+ previously) had been supplemented and ran a fine race, possibly with even more ability than he strictly showed here in that he took a long time to settle towards the rear (had been bumped at start and buffeted a bit later), improving 3f out, edging right briefly then keeping on to grab 4^th late on. He ought to be effective back at 10f in a well-run race.

STANHOPE GARDENS (111+ here, 115 previously) shaped a bit better than the result while seeming to find the trip just beyond him in a well-run race on good to soft, in rear before beginning to make headway when short of room briefly 3f out, moving into 3^rd before drifting left and no extra late on. His reappearance was delayed due to a pulled muscle and he may do better again with a smoother preparation.

TORNADO ALERT (106 here, 108 previously) ran respectably, though beaten nearly twice as far as he had been in the Guineas, close up early then in mid-field and improving only briefly before his run rather petered out late. He could do with having his sights lowered somewhat.

GREEN STORM (104 here, 107 previously) ran much better than he had on his reappearance (when doing too much in front), though mostly around the same place.

NIGHTIME DANCER (103+ here, 101 previously) was set a lot to do and made some late gains without posing a threat, likely to do better again another day.

DELACROIX (94 here, 117 previously) got hampered early and never looked like getting into it after, a slightly doubtful stayer and worked up beforehand into the bargain, this clearly nowhere near his running.

MIDAK (93 here, 107+ previously) looked an interesting contender (having been supplemented) and was well placed in 3^rd/4^th much of the way, only to find little when push came to shove. He should stay this far another day.

SEA SCOUT (92 here, 104 previously) was close up for a long way, 2^nd through the middle sections, but weakened and may prove best around 10f.

NIGHTWALKER (83 here, 107 previously) ran no sort of race, slowly away and in trouble a long way out.

ROGUE IMPACT (80 here, 91 previously)

THE LION IN WINTER (76 here, 117 previously) shaped again as if shorter trips may be required, but it was not exactly an encouraging effort even so.

AL WASL STORM (0 here, 88+ previously)

TUSCAN HILLS (0 here, 105 previously)

PRIDE OF ARRAS (0 here, 113+ previously) went as if amiss, failing to settle early but niggled soon after halfway (possibly struggling with the track) and soon beaten after hanging right with 4f still to go. The Dante he won took some knocks in this race but cannot be anything like as bad as he and Damysus make it appear.

DAMYSUS (0 here, 111 previously) ran no sort of race having been bumped early and again in the home straight, this clearly nothing like his form.