Not the highest-quality Tattersalls Gold Cup winner in recent times – given that past ones this century have included such as Fantastic Light, Hurricane Run and So You Think – but the race had strength in depth and served up a thrilling finish, the form likely to be both solid and not far off top-class. High Definition ensured a pretty sound pace, though a finishing speed of 106% for the winner and a time that implied “good” going, rather than softer, confirms that pace as well as stamina was tested.
ALENQUER (119 here, 116 previously) ran even better than he had at 12f in Dubai the time before, a soundly run race at this slightly shorter trip helping him to settle and showing him in an especially good light. He raced mostly in third, made an effort over 3f out and slowly but surely clawed back the leader before getting on top close home. Alenquer should continue to punch his weight in this sort of company, this coming during a purple patch for his talented trainer.
HIGH DEFINITION (118 here, 107 previously) finally delivered fully on the considerable promise of his juvenile season, the significant difference seemingly down to making the running on him at a sound pace, and he was soon 2 to 3 lengths clear, rousted along over 3f out and sticking to his task valiantly until passed only in the final 50 yards. It should be worth trying something similar at 12f, for all that he has previously underperformed at the trip (and further).
STATE OF REST (118 here, 119 previously) ran well again and might have gone even closer with a little less to do, held up in mid-field travelling comfortably, with a few lengths to find over 2f out and running on well without quite getting there. He is proving willing and consistent as well as high-class.
LORD NORTH (116 here, 119 previously) dipped a fraction below the form of his Meydan win the time before at a trip which taxes his stamina, tracking the leaders in fourth, making headway to have a chance in the penultimate 1f (though a length or so down), then flattening out right at the end. He might be worth trying at a mile at some stage.
BROOME (107+ here, 117 previously) shaped quite encouragingly, set a fair bit to do and initially making little impression before running on late, this likely to have blown away any cobwebs. He is at least as good at 12f.
BEAR STORY (104 here, 109 previously) faced a stiff task and was not discredited, held up and unable to make much headway for pressure.
MAC SWINEY (102+ here, 118 previously) ran as if the race were needed, in second for a long way but weakening out of things over 2f out
HELVIC DREAM (97 here, 115 previously) was always behind in a race he had won 12 months before, though not unduly knocked about.
