Expert Analysis

A slightly substandard Prix Niel, in which the form choice failed to run to his best, and the ratings of the principals only sneak into the 110s. It was quite steadily-run until halfway on ground a bit quicker than “good”, but the winner’s closing 22.65s (110.8% finishing speed) still compares unfavourably with those of the other 2400m winners on the card.

CUALIFICAR (114+ here, 112 previously) did well to get up having been boxed in for a while and been left with a couple of lengths to make up, though this form may not prove the strongest. He raced mostly in 3^rd, had to sit and suffer around 400m out but responded well when in the clear and led close home. This was his first attempt at 2400m, after he had been tapped for toe at 400m shorter last time.

BAY CITY ROLLER (113 here, 110 previously) ran at least as well as ever, up further in trip, going well in mid-field before leading 250m out, just unable to hold on.

PARACHUTISTE (111+ here, 106 previously) ran his best race yet, and that despite failing to get a clear run after 350m out, running on well when in the clear and a bit better than the result.

TENNESSEE STUD (111 here and previously) led until 300m out, running creditably.

NITOI (110 here, 107 previously) ran as well as he has done, helped a bit by being close to the pace.

LEFFARD (109 here, 118 previously) had the form to win this at his best but seemed rusty after 2 months off, taking a short while to settle in rear but much longer to respond when things heated up, no impression until fractionally quickest of all in the final 400m. His Grand Prix de Paris win was on similar ground (run in a time more than 4.0s quicker than this was), but in a more strongly-run race. He looks worth another chance.

SWAGMAN (107 here and previously)

AFTERMATH (100 here and previously)