Expert Analysis

Another race-record time in this, an indication of what were quick conditions, and also a sound pace set by Shes Perfect, who was first past the post but lost the race in the stewards’ room. Zarigana would have been an unlucky loser otherwise, set a bit to do then slightly impeded and with her rider losing his whip, but both are very useful fillies. Shes Perfect’s final 400m went by in 22.57s (104.2% finishing speed).

ZARIGANA (109+3 here, 112 previously) would have been an unlucky loser, done on the nod having come from a few lengths back, been slightly impeded and with her rider losing his whip about 200m out, though the exaggerated waiting tactics employed on her does leave her a hostage to fortune. She was held up in mid-field travelling strongly, was shaken up with a bit to do 400m out then quickened to get into contention, slightly impeded 250m out but continuing to respond well, done on the nod but getting the decision in the stewards’ room. She could well have an even bigger effort in her to come, Royal Ascot an obvious next port of call.

SHES PERFECT (109 here, 103 previously) ran a smashing race, even better than when 2nd in a messy Prix de la Grotte, setting well-judged fractions and digging in well despite edging left under pressure 250m out, getting there on the nod but losing it at the enquiry. A round mile at Royal Ascot should suit her, but she’s likely to have to run better still to win a Coronation Stakes.

MANDANABA (107 here and previously) ran well and looked like winning as she came alongside 150m out, up the inner, only to flatten out at the death. She is bred for further (by Ghaiyyath, out of a Vermeille winner) and did well given how speed-favouring this race was, unlikely to be far away in the Prix de Diane.

EXACTLY (106 here, 109 previously) was close to form despite being short of room a couple of times in the closing stages and should get back up to her peak figure next time.

BETTER TOGETHER (105 here and previously) looked rather one paced for one who had been racing at shorter but stuck to her task for a creditable effort.

BEDTIME STORY (99+ here, 109 previously) has not gone on in quite the manner as seemed likely at the start of her career but shaped better than the result, held up and taking a while to hit top stride before finishing well.

DAYLIGHT (99 here, 106 previously) ran as if not staying, in with a chance of a place until emptying in the final 200m.

GODSPEED (98+ here, 99+ previously) was set plenty to do and never really on terms.

GHOUFRANN (89 here, 106 previously)

MIMOS (85 here, 97 previously)

HEAVENS GATE (85 here, 106? previously)

CELESTIAL ORBIT (76 here, 106 previously) cut out quickly late on as if all might not have been well.

MERRILY (73 here, 107 previously)