A substandard edition of what used to be the King’s Stand, won by the likes of Nature Strip (ran to a rating of 129), Blue Point (twice, 126) and Lady Aurelia (126) in recent years, which reflects the wider sprint division in Europe right now. It was well-run, the winner’s final 2f of 23.45s prompting a 101.7% finishing speed. The field initially split into 3 groups then more clearly into a larger one centre to near side (those drawn 9 and higher) and the remainder towards the far side, the latter possibly at a small disadvantage as things unfolded.
(116 here, 105 previously) got a clear run at things this time and showed just what he could do, recording a famous win for his small-time but accomplished trainer. Mid to rear on the stand side, he made an effort at halfway then good headway to lead just inside the final 1f, ridden out. He should continue to be competitive in good races at 5f/easy 6f though it’s difficult to believe that there will not be 1 or 2 better than him another day.
(112 here, 103 previously) finally got back to the level of her win in a G3 at Meydan early in 2024 by a clear margin, never far away before nosing ahead over 1f out and battling back well when headed with 110y to travel. She is at least as good at a bare 5f as 6f.
(111 here, 114 previously) was close to his best in a race he had been second in 12 months before, fast away and leading/disputing part of the way, sticking to his task.
(110+ here, 115 previously) ran respectably and in typical fashion, probably in good heart again now, switched and soon niggled, making headway over 1f out and running on without quite getting in a blow (fastest final 1f in the field).
(105 here, 115 previously) shaped with encouragement in first-time blinkers, having been unplaced on a rare run at 6f when last seen, back in Australia, travelling comfortably close up and with every chance 1f out then fading. She is likely to do better next time.
(108+5 here, 113 previously) might have been at a small disadvantage in racing towards the far side and did well in the circumstances, improving from mid-field and keeping on, one to take a second look at next time. He had unseated and got loose beforehand.
(107 here and previously) had conditions to suit and ran creditably with no excuses.
(104 here and previously) did enough to show that her Chantilly win was indeed useful form.
(99+5 here, 104 previously) continues in good form, possibly disadvantaged by how/where the race unfolded but showing speed mid-race.
(99+5 here, 107 previously)
(93+5 here, 113 previously) is in foal to Frankel so may not be in action much longer, showing up on the far side for a long way.
(94+5 here, 110 previously)
(94 here, 108 previously)
(92+5 here, 109 previously)
(91 here, 102 previously)
(86 here, 108 previously)
(84 here, 103 previously)
(80 here, 102 previously)
(71 here, 102 previously)
(64 here, ? previously)
