Expert Analysis

COPPULL became just the second three-year-old to win this Group 2 in the last ten years, franking the July Cup form in the process along with Prince Of India. In a race that was slowly run initially, they added pace to the race in the middle of the contest with most of the field producing a pair of sub-11 second furlongs through the fourth and fifth sectionals. At that point, the first, third and fourth formed their own group that raced more towards the far side, led by Coppull who took the overall lead a couple of furlongs out. He started to tire himself late and drifted to the far rail but did enough to win by a length and a quarter.

COPPULL was always prominent here and led the smaller group when heading towards the far side before halfway. He went clear in the penultimate furlong as Witness Stand faded on the near side and even though he drifted late on and got a little tired, he comfortably held on to win on his first start at seven furlongs. Soft ground is a concern regarding the Foret potentially, but this win certainly opens up other options for connections. He confirmed form with the second from the July Cup, when they were fourth and sixth respectively.

PRINCE OF INDIA shaped well in defeat here. He was keen in the early stages and raced closer to the near side when the groups split after a few furlongs. He ended up edging over towards the far side in the closing stages where the race developed and while it is unfair on the winner to say he was unlucky, the race didn’t play out that well for him.

SYMBOL OF HONOUR raced in midfield of the main group and then tracked Coppull once the field split into two groups. He was outpaced and left behind by the winner in the penultimate furlong, before staying on again in the closing stages without ever threatening to reel in the winner.

BACK IN BLACK was the third of the breakaway group towards the far side. He was further back though and despite travelling well, he had a lot to do approaching the furlong pole. He made some late gains, but not enough to hit the frame. It was a good effort considering it was his first try in Group company.

NEVER SO BRAVE ran a funny sort of race. He made a big mid-race move with some fast sectionals, before paying the price in the final furlong. He continues to struggle this season in comparison to last year.

WITNESS STAND led the field early but faded rather tamely in the final two furlongs once headed.

EXTREMELY ZAIN never really threatened, only passing a couple of beaten horses late on. He should improve as it was his first start above handicap level.

NORTHERN CHAMPION weakened in the final two furlongs. His listed win at Chester looks a bit of an outlier in his form now.

SUKANYA lost her unbeaten record at Newbury in decisive fashion and seems to be regressing as the season goes on. Form does suggest her best efforts are when fresh.