An intriguing Irish Derby, which is how it should be, if perhaps not the highest-quality one, and a bunched finish means that the winner’s performance rating in the race itself is marginally the lowest in recent years. That said, the form – smart rather than better – looks solid enough thanks to a good gallop and a commensurate overall time which, on drying ground (“good to firm” rather than the official “good”), was the fastest in over a decade. The winner’s final 2f of 23.96s prompts a finishing speed of 103.0%, slightly slower than par for this course and distance, and confirming the impression about the pace.
LOS ANGELES (113+ here, 111+ previously) looked a right sort for this race from the moment he finished third in The Derby at Epsom, despite overdoing the forcing tactics that day, and duly won, if in workmanlike rather than impressive style. Sweating beforehand, which seems to be his way, he tracked the good pace set by his stable-companion, improved through the opening left by that one turning in to lead well over 2f out, was headed briefly but battled back well to assert close home. He probably has an even bigger effort in him than this providing his stamina is tested in a similar fashion.
SUNWAY (112 here and previously) had run to no higher than 106 in ratings terms this year but came right back to his best as a 2yo faced by this longer trip and a well-run race, held up before making smooth headway over 2f out, soon under pressure and staying on well at the death. The St Leger could be on the cards and he has the ability to place, if not definitely to win, in that.
AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (111 here, 116 previously) was by no means discredited but seemed to dip a bit below his Epsom form despite the more speed-favouring conditions, a shade free in mid-field in another well-run race, making smooth headway to nose ahead briefly 2f out and in with every chance until no extra in the final 1f. He is capable of decidedly smart form at 12f but seems likely to be at least as good around 10f, a trip he has yet to try.
MATSURI (110+ here, 99+ previously) ran a belter on what was just his fourth start, as good a prospect as any of the trio that beat him, held up in touch but short of room when improving over 2f out and again approaching the final 1f (carried head to one side), keeping on at the death. It is surely only a matter of time before he wins in Group company, probably at around this trip.
KEEPER’S HEART (100 here, 102 previously) was close to form but looked like he would do better still for a long way, travelling comfortably in rear before headway up the inner turning in, rather petering out after the 2f pole but still holding fifth. He strides like one who may stay well but 12f in a well-run race could prove to be far enough after all.
THE EUPHRATES (99 here, 101 previously) shaped like a stayer in running respectably, prominent until outpaced turning in, rallying at the death.
GROSVENOR SQUARE (97 here, 109 previously) ran no better than he had at Chester, close up before going wide over 3f out and outpaced thereafter.
EUPHORIC (90 here, 103 previously) did the donkey work again and was not discredited in the circumstances again.
