Expert Analysis

Probably a slightly substandard running of this Group 1, with ordinary margins between the principals and an overall time that was 0.15s (about a length) slower than Tahiyra had recorded carrying 3 lb less in the Moyglare Stud Stakes a bit earlier, the winner definitely behind the likes of Pinatubo (126 in 2019) and Quorto (122 the year before) at this stage, promising though he is. The pace was reasonable (winner’s finishing speed 102.9%) with the leader about 4 lengths behind the leader in the Moyglare Stud 2f out.    

AL RIFFA (113 here, 95+ previously) has done well in a short time and remains open to improvement after easily his best effort yet, niggled slightly early (probably a sign of greenness) and rear but well in touch until switched and improving 2f out, running on strongly to lead in the final 1f. A son of Wootton Bassett, he is stoutly bred on the dam’s side and will stay 8f easily this year. 

PROUD AND REGAL (109 here, 106 previously) came out unexpectedly best of the trio that contested the Futurity at this course and distance the time before, proving well suited by the increased test provided by soft ground, mid-field but hard at work 2f out before staying on well. 8f will suit him well this year.

SHARTASH (108 here, 107 previously) ran at least as well as previously, probably helped by the 7f, for all that he took a short while to settle, improving from just behind the leaders to dispute it early in the final 1f then one paced. This effort, along with Persian Force’s in France, does no harm to the claims of the side-lined Little Big Bear, who thrashed them both in the Phoenix Stakes here.

AESOP’S FABLES (104 here, 113 previously) had no obvious excuses, going backwards rather than forwards from his Futurity win, close up and edging ahead in the penultimate 1f, headed and one paced late on. He is speedily bred and perhaps more testing ground at 7f did not suit him.

HANS ANDERSEN (100 here, 106+ previously) was below his Futurity form for no obvious reason, again finishing rather weakly. He made most of the running, but at a sensible pace, was still in with a shout 1f out then emptied.

MARBAAN (92 here, 109 previously) ran poorly on this much softer ground, held up in last but briefly looking as if he might get involved 2f out only to weaken.