Expert Analysis

A race that promised so much certainly delivered, with Ombudsman producing a stunning performance to put last year’s Arc first and second, Daryz and Minnie Hauk to the sword with a scintillating turn of foot. The pacemakers went so hard that Ryan Moore on Minnie Hauk let them go, but when it mattered it was the three big guns that came to the fore, before Ombudsman showed a superior late burst. The visual impression he created was backed up by some eye-catching late sectionals as he was quickest for each of the final three furlongs.

OMBUDSMAN was held up towards the rear early on with only Dancing Gemini behind, a long way off the strong pace. He travelled ominously well rounding the home turn and when William Buick asked him to close two furlongs out, the response was dramatic. By the time he had reached the furlong pole he was in front with daylight between him and his two nearest pursuers and he extended that advantage all the way to the line. Even by his high standards this was a career best effort under what are his optimum conditions.

MINNIE HAUK initially went forward with the two pacemakers, but Ryan Moore allowed them to stride on after a couple of furlongs. She led the main group into the straight but by the time she got past Devil’s Advocate, Ombudsman and Daryz had gone by her. In fairness, she battled back gamely to pass the latter again in the closing stages, while no match for the impressive winner. She doesn’t quite have the push button acceleration over this trip like the winner has, but it was a very good effort from the filly. She will be a force again over a mile and a half later in the season.

DARYZ didn’t travel as well as he often does, and I just wonder if he is comfortable at the tempo over this trip when it is a truly run race. He quickened up to go by Minnie Hauk in the penultimate furlong, but he was no match for the winner on his outside. Daryz faded in the final furlong after doing a lot of running before that to challenge. I think an extra two furlongs and more ease in the ground will see a better version of him.

ALMAQAM probably wasn’t at his very best here either, but that may also be down to the calibre of opposition. He was left behind by the other three in the penultimate furlong before staying on reasonably well again and actually closed on Daryz late in the race. He may also prefer ground that is a little slower than the good to firm here.

DANCING GEMINI fared as expected despite being ridden to finish his race and weakened late on. He seems to be struggling at the top level now, despite a decent run in the Lockinge and might need a slight drop in class to regain the winning thread.

SEE THE FIRE was rather disappointing and never landed a blow. She wasn’t given a hard race but was beaten soon after the race began in earnest from the two-pole.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE actually stayed going much longer than expected given the pace and almost led the field to the furlong pole before fading.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER contributed to the early pace but was running on fumes early in the straight.