Expert Analysis

Rain in the morning returned the ground to mostly “good” after it had firmed up markedly 24 hours earlier and made for a level playing field for the four who stood their ground, a disappointing turnout numerically but plenty of good things to be taken from the race otherwise. The early pace was a bit on the steady side, with the runners a few horse widths off the rail throughout and in single file for most of the way, but the abiding impression was that the “right” horse won, even though the runner-up closed from a bit further back before being held near the end. With the overall time a good one (much quicker than the other two 10f races on the card, including after allowing for the differences in ability) and the first two nicely clear, this is form to be viewed positively, and it elevates the winner to a pretty lofty status on the world stage.

PADDINGTON (124 here, 121 previously) keeps getting better and better, having started this year by winning a handicap at Naas in March, and he justified strong and sustained support in ready style against his toughest opponent yet, showing in the process that he gets 10f well under these circumstances. He broke quickly and led for ½f, was steadied to track in second, made smooth headway to lead 2f out but soon had a fight on his hands, responding generously to pressure (despite edging right and carrying his head quite awkwardly) to have it in the bag late on, able just be pushed out near the line. Further improvement cannot be ruled out, though against that his 3-y-o allowance was generous enough and he did receive a copybook ride.

EMILY UPJOHN (120 here and previously) lost no standing in defeat against a talented and tenacious rival, pushing him hard enough that it is worth wondering if it might have been even tighter had she kept closer tabs on him early in the straight. Having been held up and a bit free for a while, she was rousted along 3f out, improved to challenge under pressure with 1f to go, but could never get past and was being held at the line. She should have more good races in her, especially back against her own sex.

WEST WIND BLOWS (111 here and previously) ran creditably again and did his bit to ensure this was a worthwhile spectacle, leading after ½f, dictating matters a bit early but going a sound enough pace by mid-race, rousted 3f out and headed with 2f to go, one paced thereafter but holding on comfortably for third.

DUBAI HONOUR (107 here, 116 previously) shaped as if the race will bring him on after a 10-week break, following a demanding schedule abroad in March/April, and was certainly below his best. He was held up in last, made a brief forward move after 3f out but was one paced thereafter.