A solid G2, bordering on G1 in terms of the winner (somewhat unexpected though he was), who posted the fastest time since the race was inaugurated 19 years earlier. That fact should set some alarm bells ringing, for that simply should not be possible on the official “good, good to soft in places”, with time analysis (allowing for a cross wind) pointing to “good to firm” being a more accurate summary. Backers and connections of Almaqam, who ran a lacklustre race on ground significantly firmer than he had won on previously, and than was advertised, may well feel especially aggrieved. It was a well-run contest for all that, with the winner’s 23.57s for the final 2f only
(118 here, 113 previously) benefited from the favourite’s dull effort but would have caused that one problems on this showing even so, looking a different proposition to previously despite now being a 7yo, held up in mid-field travelling strongly, still cruising after 3f out then shaken up and quickening to lead over 1f out before clearing away. He has been up and down in his career, which included a stint in Australia, but is very smart on his day, quicker ground and a good pace possibly a help.
(113 here, 120 previously) can be forgiven this short-priced defeat as the ground might well have turned against him, connections having reportedly been keen to avoid anything firmer than good but coming across it here. He was held up mid to rear but being pushed along well over 3f out, made rather laboured progress to dispute the lead well over 1f out then was one paced (and not unduly knocked about when held). His defeat of Ombudsman on softer isn’t the easiest to weigh up but is very likely better than this.
(109 here, 112 previously) ran respectably, but it took him a long time to get going having raced quite close up initially then lost his place at halfway, still last 2f out then staying on.
(108 here, 111 previously) was close to form having led at a decent pace, no extra after 2f out.
(105 here, 112 previously) showed little of his previous promise while running moderately rather than badly, tracking the pace mostly in 3rd
but unable to quicken from some way out.
(105 here, 108 previously) ran respectably despite doing himself no favours with a slow start, always behind but briefly getting quite close with 2f to go.
(102 here, 111 previously)
