Expert Analysis

A race weakened on the day by the defection of the favourite Raclette (unbeaten in two non-Group races, and rated 104 including sectional upgrades), but her trainer Andre Fabre had a more than able deputy in Zellie, who was masterfully ridden by Oisin Murphy to swoop late in a race in which the leaders went too fast (race finishing speed of just 97.3% of average race speed for last 400m). She has been rated close to race standards, which is not out of line with what she looked likely to be capable of with better-judged rides previously, but there is a chance this bare form will prove worse than that. The runners gravitated towards the far rail in the home straight, which was not the case with all later races. 

ZELLIE (109 here, 97+ previously) had been given a lot to do in falsely run races in her two defeats but the same tactics here were optimal and she showed what she really can do, held up in rear, switched right and headway 350m out, running on well for stronger pressure to lead with 100m to go. By Wootton Bassett and from the family of Speciosa and Pride, she will probably stay a bit further than this.

TIMES SQUARE (105 here, 86 previously) improved greatly (had been beaten in a listed race the time before) and may deserve upgrading slightly, settled in third as the early pace was too strong, leading 300m out then edging right, headed 100m out and no extra. Her sire Zarak won the 12f Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud so she may get further despite being quite speedily bred on her dam’s side.

OSCULA (100 here, 102 previously) ran creditably, another advert for the enterprising approach of connections, held up for once to get the trip, making some headway up the inner after 500m out until her effort rather petered out late on. This is likely as far as she will stay.

AGARTHA (99+ here, 108 previously) was better than the result and continues in form, in second and too close to the overly strong early pace, perhaps edging it for a short while around 350m out before fading. 

WHO KNOWS (99 here, 100 previously) ran creditably but was able to make only laboured headway from towards the rear.

ACER ALLEY (94+ here, 101 previously) shaped better than the result, a bit free early and held up last, on the bridle longer than most and not knocked about after the briefest of efforts saw her make only a little headway. There is nothing wrong with the form of her Group 3 win the time before. 

FLEUR D’IRIS (84+ here, 103 previously) should be forgiven this, going too fast in the lead in testing conditions (confirmed by sectionals) and capitulating when headed 350m out. She might have been fortunate to have beaten Zellie the time before but had finished ahead of Oscula the time before that, and her form is useful.

NATASHA (80 here, 87+ previously) did not have the form to go with her market position but was under pressure in mid-field so far out that it seems reasonable to think she was not herself.