15:05 Ascot 18 Jun 2021
King Edward Vii Stakes
Group 2 | Class 1 | 3YO only
Winner £98,335 - 6 ran
in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on
keen early, tracked leader, led approaching 2f out, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, stayed on
in touch in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
close up, pushed along 3f out, slightly outpaced 2f out, ridden and ran on towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
dwelt soon led, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, weakened final furlong
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| Betfair SP | £2.73 |
| CSF | £17.35 (2, 5) |
| Tricast | £58.21 (2, 5, 7) |
| Win | £2.10 (2) |
| Place | £1.01 (2), £3.00 (5), £1.50 (7) |
| Exacta | £17.00 (2, 5) |
| Trifecta | £52.50 (2, 5, 7) |
Expert Analysis
By no means a strong Group 2 or vintage renewal of this particular one, but the bare form does not do full credit to the winner, who showed a bright turn of foot on what was significantly rain-softened ground (predominantly “soft” on times) and in a steadily run race – 105.7% race finishing speed – and who should hold his own against stronger opposition. The slow overall time was not just down to pace and ground but to the runners taking a wide course, especially from 8f out to 4f out, when near to the outer rail.
ALENQUER (108+ here, 107 previously) had missed Epsom due to a setback but confirmed the form of his Sandown victory over Adayar (who improved thereafter) while promising better still to come, held up in a steadily run race, quickening 2f out and leading approaching the final 1f, kept up to his work, sectionals suggesting a rating of 113 would be justified. He has raced only on good going or softer and seems likely to stay a bit further.
TASMAN BAY (106 here, 105 previously) had crossed swords with some smart sorts on his two most recent starts and probably improved just a little rather than a lot here, leading in the penultimate 1f but swamped by the winner. He travels well and should be as effective back at 10f.
TITLE (102 here, 93 previously) may still do better, this an improvement on the bare form of his Yarmouth win (in which he carried his head high), showing good pace to come from last to have a chance approaching the final 1f but one paced after.
THE MEDITERRANEAN (100 here, 103 previously) ran respectably while promising more another day, comprehensively outpaced when the pace lifted but rallying at the death. A longer trip should help him.
GEAR UP (100 here, 105 previously) has looked useful, no better, other than in his heavy-ground Criterium de Saint-Cloud win at two years, third early in the straight but outpaced thereafter.
BELLOCCIO (99 here and previously) has been exposed in Group company so far this year, though did manage to lead for a long way in this one, weakening having still been disputing third 1f out.
Video Highlights
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Replay: 15:05 Ascot 18th Jun 2021
