Expert Analysis

This goes to a decent horse about as often as not, and Persian Force is probably such, though he ended up with little to beat after the Windsor Castle winner Little Big Bear was withdrawn shortly before the race on account of “going” (whatever that means: it was similarly fast to Royal Ascot and had not changed since declaration). There was a slow opening 1f or 2f then a bit of a burn-up until late on, the on-screen sectionals pointing to a race finishing speed of 104.3% where around 100% is par.

PERSIAN FORCE (109 here, 108 previously) made pretty light work of a straightforward opportunity while running at least as well as when beaten by Bradsell in the Coventry the time before, prominent before leading and shifting right briefly after 2f out, ridden and running on strongly to be readily on top at the line. He is sprint bred but shapes as if he will stay 7f with little bother. 

SHOW RESPECT (104 here, 92 previously) was much improved and ought to win a decent race this year, though perhaps at a slightly lesser level. He disputed the lead before going on after 2f, quickening at halfway and continuing to run on despite edging right when headed after 2f out. There is some stamina on his dam’s side and he will probably get 7f.

MYSTERIOUS NIGHT (98 here, 97 previously) may still do better, looking likely to benefit from a bit further sooner rather than later and one start less experienced than the two who beat him. He was held up, switched after a couple of furlongs, made his effort at halfway and could not quicken before keeping on at the death. This was still a clearly useful effort. 

HARRY TIME (93 here and previously) ran creditably but could do with settling better, or, possibly, dropping to 5f. He was steadied at the start and quite free, made some headway mid-race as the pace was hottest then faded late on.  

WAITING ALL NIGHT (91 here, 98 previously) was not seen to maximum effect, but that’s not to say he would be up to winning something like this even so, steadied to track the pace, shaken up at halfway then just keeping on for pressure.

KING’S CROWN (88 here, 83 previously) ran as well as could be expected but was brushed aside after leading early.

BRAVE NATION(81 here, 96+ previously) went as if not right, dropped in last and making brief headway mid-race before weakening, well below his Royal Ascot form.