A typical recent running of the Irish Derby, Ballydoyle controlling the pace and the race from an early stage before dominating the finish, three of their runners pulling a long way clear of the British-trained fourth. The die was cast early in the race as four Aidan O’Brien-trained runners were in the front half of the field after the first half mile.
got back on track returning to a sound surface, this race setting up well for him as his stable controlled the pace, Ryan Moore moving his mount up to mid-division after four furlongs having initially raced in rear. He travelled well into the straight and went on before the final furlong, more workmanlike than impressive but perhaps not the type to do much in front. Stiffer tasks await which should reveal where he fits in.
again showed that stamina is his strong suit, keeping on well late having been outpaced by a sharper rival on fast ground. He handled this surface but is likely to prove most effective on slower ground that his rivals may struggle on.
ran the best race of his career, the last of three Ballydoyle runners to come clear. He was reportedly badly in need of the run on return this year and appears to be running into form which should set him up for a good second half of the year.
was dropped out be Rossa Ryan, the rider perhaps unwilling to engage with the Ballydoyle runners mid-race, before he made a good move early in the straight. That effort took its toll, and he flattened out markedly late having looked like placing halfway up the straight. On this evidence, the trip was too far though it was only his third start, and he was coming off a break.
was flying high at this level and ran about as well as could be expected.
was not in the same form as at Epsom, never travelling from an early stage. Perhaps a hard race there took it out of him, while he may also prefer slower ground.
acted as a pacemaker and was beaten early in the straight.
won the Gowran Classic on his last start, a win that entitled him to a free entry for this race, but he was too keen and ran no race.
