Expert Analysis

While the stayers run over a variety of trips at the major festivals, this Group 2 contest is run over two miles. The absence of Scandinavia and the recently retired Trawlerman ensured the race had an open look to it. In the end it was Al Nayyir who emerged victorious, gaining his first win at this level. He hit the front well inside the final furlong as he went by Illinois. The others behind that pair were tiring late on, and Al Nayyir’s final two furlongs of 26.15 seconds was comfortably the quickest.

AL NAYYIR saw this out really well, despite being a touch keen initially. He looked in trouble at stages, notably the top of the home straight as he came under pressure and lost his position. However, as we often see with stayers, it was only a temporary flat spot and he found generously in the closing stages. Still only fifth two furlongs out, his finishing effort from there was impressive and he got on top close home.

ILLINOIS was never far away and got to the front a couple of furlongs out but just couldn’t withstand the late challenge from Al Nayyir. He may have been “softened” a little having had to battle with Mount Atlas and Caballo De Mar from the two-furlong pole. Despite winning that battle, it wasn’t enough as Al Nayyir challenged inside the final furlong.

MOUNT ATLAS travelled powerfully through the race and made rapid headway from off the pace early in the home straight. He looked like he would go close a couple of furlongs out but didn’t find as much off the bridle as Illinios and particularly Al Nayyir. A first try at the trip and he possibly needed to be held on to a little longer.

CABALLO DE MAR challenged between Illinois and Mount Atlas as the race developed and even though he looked like he was going to lose the battle with the former, he completely cut out inside the final 100 yards and was passed by Mount Atlas again close home.

QUICKTHORN returned from a lengthy absence and possibly needed the run. He led in his customary role and kept going once headed two furlongs out, even though he wasn’t given a hard time.

FRENCH MASTER was held up and never really got into the contest. He hung slightly up the straight but wasn’t in contention. The ground may have been on the soft side for him.

AMILOC raced in midfield but was outpaced early in the straight and couldn’t get involved thereafter.

COLUMBUS looked beaten early in the straight and had dropped out of it by the two-furlong pole.