A decent renewal of the first Group 1 for juveniles in Europe of the year, though disappointingly without any foreign raiders. It produced an above-average winner, though the form behind him might not have been the strongest on the day. It was well-run (near-to-par 102.3% finishing speed) but the overall time is merely respectable compared to others on the card. The winner came down the centre but stalls 5 to 7 (including the runner-up) were nearer the stand side than the others.
BUCANERO FUERTE (119 here, 110 previously) continues to go from strength to strength, this almost certainly his best effort yet, and one that puts him within touching distance of the current divisional leader, City of Troy. He received another no-nonsense ride – entirely suitable for one identified as such a long-strider by his eye-catching Coventry figures – leading/disputing the lead until forging on for sure from halfway, edging left as he came under pressure approaching the final 1f but continuing to run on strongly and having it sewn up some way out. He should be at least as effective at 7f as this 6f and has decent chances of staying 8f in time.
PORTA FORTUNA (102 here, 107 previously) might have been a little below her Royal Ascot form but essentially ran creditably, chasing the pace but ending up a bit isolated on the stand side, sticking well to her task like one who will get further.
GIVEMETHEBEATBOYS (100 here, 105 previously) was close to form and might have been right up to it had he been quicker away, settled in mid-field as a result and unable to quicken before keeping on.
UNQUESTIONABLE (100 here, 110 previously) underperformed, though for what reason is not exactly clear, quite prominent and attempting to go after the winner from halfway, only to fade late on and lose second then, on the line, third.
GAENARI (93+ here, 93 previously) had been a creditable second at listed level in France the time before and ran at least as well here, despite losing ground through being awkward leaving her stall, making some ground mid-race to dispute third before fading. A maiden should easily come her way, and possibly something a bit better than that.
HIS MAJESTY (76 here, 103 previously) ran as if feeling the effects of his exertions, the most recent of which had been a second placing to Ramatuelle in France, soon pushed along in last, making headway mid-race, only to drop away again.
LAUNCH (0 here, 85 previously)
