This is seldom strong by G2 standards, and that was the case again this year, though the first 2 put up smart performances – just about the best in the race in recent years – in pulling clear. The long-time leader was ignored somewhat but the pace was still reasonable, the winner’s final 400m of 24.45s on ground that was “good to soft” if tending towards “soft” coming out at a 107.9% finishing speed.

TENNESSEE STUD (114 here, 112 previously) had come up short in G1 and G2 company at 12f/2400m on his previous 3 starts but improved for the longer trip in somewhat weaker grade to score for the first time in nearly a year, close up in the main group, leading again with 650m to go and forging on with 400m left, never quite shaking off the persistent runner-up and kept up to his work all the way. He should do well in Cup races if tried, without being up there with the best in that division in recent times.

EMIT(113 here, 102 previously) ran his best race yet by some way, easily reversing form with Espoir Avenir and running the smart winner quite close. He tracked the pace, was being pushed along vigorously 5500m out, but dug in and made things interesting late in the piece. A son of Too Darn Hot, he stays much better than might have been expected at one stage.

SURABAD (102 here, 104 previously) ran creditably but is more G3/listed level to date, towards the rear and niggled along some way out before plugging on.

ESPOIR AVENIR (101 here, 108 previously) could have been expected to get involved on the form of his G3 defeat of Emit at course and distance the time before but found little (edged right) after tracking and being well enough placed turning in.

ZINGARO (87 here, 101 previously)

NATIVE IRISH (0 here, 100 previously)

ENEA (0 here, 90 previously)