This looked a pretty good Commonwealth Cup beforehand but in the event a few of the apparent main players failed to run up their best on what was borderline “firm” going and the winner recorded very useful form rather than better. It was quite well-run but less than 1.0s quicker than the preceding Albany for 2yos, the field splitting into 3 groups: those drawn 1 to 6 (which included the winner); 7 and 8 (including the 4th); and 9 and over. There was, in all probability, nothing much in it.
(113 here, 105 previously) has been found her niche as a sprinter and improved further to land this important prize, tracking the leader in the far-side group before quickening on there approaching the final 1f, getting to the front overall inside it despite edging left. The ground was borderline “firm” by this stage and that may have helped her also.
(115 here, 110 previously) ran his best race yet, showing bright speed to travel well in the lead for a long way. He would probably be OK back at 5f given the chance.
(110+ here and previously) confirmed the form of her impressive Chantilly win and may yet do better, set a bit to do on the stand side having been squeezed out at the start, switched 2f out and running on well without quite getting there. She should get a “short” 7f/1400m at somewhere like Longchamp.
(109 here, 101 previously) was a bit isolated early but merged with the near-side group to have every chance entering the final 1f, tending to edge left. She should stay 7f.
(104 here, 124 previously) held strong claims on form but failed to fire, back in trip and on what was by this stage borderline “firm” going, tracking on the near side but niggled by halfway and making no impression late. It was probably just an off day but 7f/a stiffer 6f may prove ideal.
(100+ here, 112 previously) encountered some trouble in running in performing respectably.
(99+ here, 107 previously) got stopped in his run from the rear at a crucial stage, 2f out, and recovered well enough to suggest he is still in good heart.
(95 here, 108 previously) ran on late to be 2nd home on the far side.
(98 here, 103 previously) ran creditably to be 3rd home on the far side but again as if 5f may prove ideal.
(92 here, 98 previously)
(91 here, 95 previously)
(87 here, 109 previously)
(90 here, 114 previously) was never really comfortable at this shorter trip on fast ground, not knocked about and best forgiven this on balance.
(89 here, 98 previously)
(86 here, 106 previously) led the far side for a long way.
(79 here, 108 previously)
(76 here, 100 previously)
(75 here, 102 previously)
(76 here, 104 previously)
(73 here, 113 previously) ran with the choke out early and was already weakening when bumped.
(62 here, 105 previously)
