Somewhat unexpectedly given recent trends, this was the biggest field since 2013 (also 17 runners), though the numbers were made up in part by juveniles with little or no hurdling experience. The principals finished in a bit of a heap, and that along with success going to one of those unraced horses at 100/1 might encourage a low view. But the time was pretty good, as was the pace on the whole, and the likelihood is that it is both very useful and quite solid form by juvenile standards.
The winner’s 53.69s for the final 4f (107.3% finishing speed) was slightly quicker than par, but the next few home were very close to it on ground that was “good to soft” on the hurdles course judged on times but bordering on “good” for chases.
PONIROS (h147 here, unraced hurdles previously) provided the biggest upset in the race’s history at 100/1 but seemed to do it on merit, despite this being his first start over hurdles, and has the potential to do very well at this game. He was held up travelling comfortably until edging closer 2 out but was flat out thereafter until really hitting his stride late on, coming from sixth just before the last to lead near the finish. 91-rated on the flat (stays 12f but has won just once), he shaped here as if 20f will be within his scope as a hurdler.
LULAMBA (h147 here, 136+ previously) had something to find on bare form, for all that his Ascot win had been quite impressive and had worked out reasonably well, and all but found it, close up and travelling well for a long way, looking to be coming off second-best to East India Dock for much of the closing stages but getting to the front for a stride or 2, only to be run mowed down close home by the winner (never went shorter than 11/10 in running). He has good jump breeding and looks a straightforward type, and he could do well over fences at 16f/20f when the time comes.
EAST INDIA DOCK (h146 here and previously) held strong claims, and was backed accordingly, but could not quite pull it off, close up and jumping quickly and accurately most of the way, not fluent 2 out but soon in front and just over a length up on landing over the last (touched 2/1 on in running) only to be one paced and headed near the end. He had no excuses on the face of it, including sectionally, but did not see things out quite as well as might have been expected for one who stays well on the flat.
LADY VEGA ALLEN (h136 here and previously) turned in her third useful effort of 3 since coming from France, ridden quite aggressively, leading from the third to 2 out then sticking well to her task. Her dam is a sister to Quevega, and she should stay at least 20f in time.
PLACE DE LA NATION (h135 here, 117 previously) had shown nothing of this calibre in one race in France and Ireland apiece but looked well up to this grade, close up and with every chance between the last 2, keeping on again at the death. She will have no difficulty in winning a race at this trip or further.
HELLO NEIGHBOUR (h140+ here, 144 previously) ran creditably and would have been closer but for fluffing the last when in third but seemingly one paced.
TOO BOSSY FOR US (h128+ here, unraced hurdles previously) showed plenty for a newcomer, held up in rear and taking a while to settle before passing a few late on. He was 90-rated on the flat, in which sphere he just about stayed 14f.
SAINTE LUCIE (h120+ here, 128 previously) shaped better than the result, coming from mid to rear and still quite free before the second-last then no extra.
MONDO MAN (h108 here, 128 previously) disappointed at times on the flat and did so here for all that he had something to find on form, less than fluent.
LUMIERE DU LARGE (h92 here, ? previously)
WILLY DE HOUELLE (h97 here, 139 previously)
CHARLUS (h0 here, 126 previously)
LARZAC (h0 here, ? previously)
BLUE LEMONS (h0 here, 128 previously)
GIBBS ISLAND (h0 here, 134 previously) had stronger claims than most but went quite freely close up and was quickly beaten after 3 out.
OPEC (h0 here, 125 previously) possibly downed tools after leading until the 3rd.
PAPPANO (h0 here, unraced hurdles previously)
