A slightly substandard St Leger in all probability, short of Group 1 performers beforehand and resulting in quite a bunched finish after a sound early pace steadied before a quickish final segment (winner’s finishing speed 105.3%). Eldar Eldarov’s rating comes in behind Hurricane Lane (120), Logician and Kew Gardens (both 118) and Capri (117) among recent winners, and the proximity of some behind the first four raises doubts as to whether it should be rated lower.
ELDAR ELDAROV (116 here, 109 previously) showed a good attitude and some improvement to prevail, in mid-field, asked for his effort when briefly short of room over 2f out then responding well to lead in the final 1f. His improvement had stalled in the Grand Prix de Paris the time before though it has to be said the form of that race was upheld elsewhere over the weekend. He probably has the speed to return to 12f though competition is fiercer at that trip.
HASKOY (110 here, 102+ previously) took another big step forward and looks a very smart prospect as a 4yo having not seen the course until only a few weeks earlier. She looked like she might win at one point, and more than justify being supplemented, but never went shorter than 6/4 in play, settled to track the pace, rousted into the lead over 2f out then allowed to drift across to the rail (a move that caused her demotion after) and a length or two up briefly but collared in the final 1f and no extra.
NEW LONDON (112 here, 115 previously) was a little below his Goodwood form though by no means discredited, travelling comfortably just behind the leaders, making an effort 3f out and with every chance under pressure approaching the final 1f but unable to raise his game. He should be as effective back around 12f.
GIAVELLOTTO (112 here, 104+ previously) ran his best race by some way and might have gone close but for being hampered 2f out, in mid-division before that and rallying well after it until one paced near the line. He should stay 16f.
EMILY DICKINSON (109 here, 107 previously) appeared to run well, albeit in a slightly muddling affair, mid-field and tapped for toe 3f out before staying on.
EL HABEEB (110 here, 95 previously) was held up and never threatened but made late gains and appeared to run easily his best race.
FRENCH CLAIM (109 here, 107 previously) seemed to run creditably in a somewhat muddling affair, kept wide for a long way but leading, headed over 2f out and rallying when hampered well over 1f out.
HOO YA MAL (103 here, 115 previously) won a soft Group race at 14f the time before and may prove better around 12f, though the way he hung left over 1f out having been held up and improved nicely to be alongside the eventual winner shortly before raises a doubt about his application under pressure also.
LIZZIE JEAN (88 here and previously) was out of her depth but showed up well before dropping away in the final 2f.
