Expert Analysis

The best Tattersalls Gold Cup in recent years, and that even with Vadeni running no sort of a race, the first 2 coming clear of the rest in the style of the high-class performers we know them to be on their day. The winner got a text-book ride from the front, and sectionals suggest the runner-up might get his revenge another day, but there is clearly little in it between them. The winner’s finishing speed comes out at 111.4% (runner-up at 111.9%) on going that was just on the quick side of “good”.

LUXEMBOURG (122 here and previously) had made an uninspiring return on this course earlier in the month, albeit in a messy contest, but was right back on his “A” game here, matching a fine tactical ride with the ability to quicken and the resolution to stick to his guns. He made all, quickened after 3f out, was challenged in the final 1f but kept on responding generously and was holding the second by the line. A one-time Derby favourite, his sole attempt at 12f in last year’s Arc was inconclusive but this sort of trip certainly shows him in a good light.

BAY BRIDGE (121 here, 123 previously) came on a bit from his return in the Ganay, as seemed likely, and might have just edged it had he enjoyed a clear run at a crucial stage, over-racing a bit in tracking the leader, boxed in from over 2f out until over 1f out, as the winner was really going through the gears, then closing to about a neck down, held near the finish. He is not quite top drawer, but he should have another good race or 2 in him when things pan out better.

PIZ BADILE (110 here and previously) may benefit from a return to 12f but ran about as well as could be expected, in second for a long way, ridden over 2f out then outpaced by the first 2.

LAYFAYETTE (106 here, 109 previously) ran respectably in this still higher grade, held up and making some headway before no extra for pressure late on.

VADENI (104 here, 124 previously) had been supplemented for this but it proved to be money poorly spent as he was held up (lost a length or 2 out of the stalls) and could make no headway, later reported to be off colour. He is much better than this on his day.

TREVAUNANCE (101 here, 106 previously) ran respectably but is not this class, racing in 4^th/5^th and still with a chance of a place over 2f out then weakening.