A race that lived up to its Group 2 billing thanks to a rejuvenated Kinross – winning the race for the second time – and a smart effort from the runner-up also, for all that there were a couple of disappointments in behind. The pace was steady for a short while early (a couple of lengths slower than the leader in the earlier Champagne for the first 2f) but pretty sound thereafter, Kinross’s final 2f going by in 23.70s (101.1% finishing speed).
KINROSS (119 here and previously) had not been quite at his best in 3 runs in June/July, and had missed at least one engagement since, but was back on his “A” game here, in a race he also won in 2022. He was held up and went with zest, made good headway to lead 2f out and quickened on, hanging right briefly for pressure but running on well. He looks set for a good end to the season at 6f/7f.
LEAD ARTIST (113 here and previously) has quickly made into a smart colt and could well be better still next year, especially back at 8f. He chased the pace and was pushed along before improving 2f out, staying on well in the wake of the winner.
SHOULDVEBEENARING (106 here and previously) ran one of his better races, if not quite up to his very best, a bit off the pace before staying on for pressure.
VETIVER (103 here and previously) ran creditably despite a slowish start and a tendency to go freely early, held up and keeping on.
POET MASTER (105 here, 119 previously) failed by some way to run to his Curragh level but did look like doing so when improving from just behind the pace to dispute matters 2f out, only to find little. He had got a bit worked up in his stall.
POPMASTER (92 here, 103 previously) was slowly away and only briefly looked like getting into it.
FOLGARIA (81 here, 102 previously) underperformed again.
POGO (82 here, 107 previously) was soon beaten after leading for a long way.
AL SHABAB STORM (68 here, 109 previously) has solid form at this trip and shorter, if not quite at this level, but failed to run his race after quite a busy spell (won in Germany time before).
