Anapurna in 2019 was the last Classic winner to prepare using this contest and judging by the market, few think that feat will be achieved this year. Cameo emerged victorious for Aidan O’Brien, adding to a great week for Ballydoyle in the Classic trials. However, she didn’t achieve as much as her stablemate Amelia Earhart did up at Chester a few days previously.
This race saw no hiding place, run at a much quicker early pace than the colts half an hour later and some fast splits inside the opening half mile of the contest. The finishing speed percentage overall was 104.18%, but those behind the front pair were significantly less than that.
took a huge step forward on her previous efforts as she stepped up in distance, going beyond a mile for the first time. She clearly not only stayed but thrived for it, despite the strong pace that made this a true test. Cameo was never far away, tracking her stablemate Bloom for much of the contest on the rails. After travelling well, the response wasn’t instant when asked to quicken but she had hit the front by the two-furlong pole and lengthened away from her rivals between there and the winning line. The further she went the better she looked and I’d say she will easily get further later in the season. Cameo will have no problem with the Oaks trip, but she may find a few too classy for her.
was rated just 76 at the start of the season before a novice win over this course and distance saw her rise to 85. Still, this represented another step forward on that run, and she looked a real threat approaching the final two furlongs, before her effort fizzled out a little late on. Prizeland was held up off the strong early pace, but it was still a very good effort from her and if she can continue to progress like she has in her last two starts, there might be a nice race in her this season. She was a little keen so perhaps connections may consider dropping back in trip slightly as she did tire inside the final furlong.
made the early running here and ensured this was a true test. She steadied it after half a mile, but then when the pressure came on from those chasing her early in the straight, she was unable to sustain her effort. Once passed, she weakened rather easily and she got quite tired in the final couple of furlongs. She appears to be shy of this sort of class in terms of ability.
was very disappointing here for the Charlie Appleby team who continue to be below their usual high standards. While this was a step up in class, she didn’t appear to be the same filly that looked good at Kempton on her previous start and was beaten a long way from home.
raced keenly and weakened quite quickly. She was beaten a long way in the end.
