Expert Analysis

A race which largely went to form, with the first 3 all turning in smart efforts. It followed a sharp shower, which turned the ground to “soft” (had been predominantly “good to soft” earlier on card), with the runners giving a wide berth to the inside rail. It was strongly-run, with the winner’s 25.41s for the final 400m prompting a 101.4% finishing speed (around 105% is par at this course and distance).

FIRST LOOK (116 here and previously) has been skilfully brought back to form following 8 successive defeats, completing a hat-trick here without having to surpass his previous best. He tracked the strong pace and was going well turning in, getting to the front with 250m to go, soon under pressure but readily on top by the line. He might be effective back at 8f when conditions are like this.

BAY CITY ROLLER (114 here and previously) continues to run well in defeat and should win a G2 or G3 at some stage, towards the rear and niggled along early, improving into contention wide with 300m to go but not as strong as the winner late on.

BRIGHT PICTURE (110 here, ? previously) had been off for almost a year before winning a minor contest at Clairefontaine recently and confirmed his smart ability is still there with this run, improving from mid-field until one paced late on.

RASHABAR (108 here, 110 previously) ran respectably, setting a strong pace until 250m out, his stamina possibly ebbing on what were quite testing conditions.

KING OF CITIES (105 here, 111 previously) was patiently ridden to get the trip but spoilt his chance by hanging right when asked and was never on terms.

UTHRED (85 here, 106 previously)

SWAGMAN (85 here,107 previously)

JENILAT BRIGHT (64 here, 101 previously)