Expert Analysis

The best 2yo race of the season so far, won by the best 2yo of the season so far, with time running out for those that might challenge him for that honour, his winning rating behind only Pinatubo (123) in the last four years. The split for the opening furlong was quite slow, and the pace did not really become a good one until Dubawi Legend was allowed to stride on after 3f (race finishing speed of 102%), the runners mostly close to the stand rail.

NATIVE TRAIL (122 here and previously) got the job done well in the end, though not without a scare along the way (touched 3/1 in running), tracking the pace but pushed along at halfway and switched outside the leader before his ability really booted in approaching the final 1f, leading with about 150 yards to go and comfortably on top by the end. He should be better at 8f, and possibly at a bit further than that, too, while he again demonstrated a huge stride (26.9 feet at one point), which, along with a willing attitude, is what is setting him apart at this stage. He is the one to beat in next year’s 2000 Guineas.

DUBAWI LEGEND (116 here, 97+ previously) confirmed debut promise, and some (reported to have scoped poorly after his defeat when well-backed at York), getting the run of things under a canny ride but almost certainly at least smart in any case, initially steadied to second but free and allowed to stride on again after 3f, settling better before quickening 2f out and getting even the winner in trouble, headed 150 yards out and no extra. He has plenty of speed (and quite a fast cadence) but will probably get a bare 8f.

BAYSIDE BOY (114 here and previously) confirmed his Doncaster form and may have a bit more to offer in a race which more obviously goes his way, soon recovering from being slowly into his stride but towards the rear, headway and ridden well over 1f out, running on well to be nearest at the finish. 8f should suit him. 

BERKSHIRE SHADOW (109 here and previously) was back to the form of his second to Angel Bleu at Goodwood (both slightly better than his win in a substandard Coventry), slowly into his stride and held up in touch before switched outside and running on until one paced near the end. He should stay 8f next year.

DHABAB (103 here and previously) continues to hint at better but has just useful form to his name, steadied early before making headway, then ridden and finding no extra in the final 1f. There is nothing between his form at 6f and 7f to date.

GLOUNTHAUNE (102+ here, 88+ previously) should do better, possibly a fair bit so, looking inexperienced on just his second start, stumbling at the start but travelling well in mid-field then green/outpaced and briefly short of room before passing a couple late on. He is something of a mix on breeding but seems likely to stay 8f.  

GO BEARS GO (100 here, 110 previously) ran a rather lacklustre race, prominent but soon in trouble 2f out and unable to hold his place. His ability to stay 7f may be best judged another day, but others have improved past him in recent weeks.

STRAIGHT ANSWER (98 here, 109 previously) is surely better than this given how impressive he had been the time before, a big step up in class though this was, disputing/leading early and remaining prominent until quickly beaten well over 1f out.