Expert Analysis

Probably one of the weaker recent renewals, most of these Group 3 standard at best rather than Group 2, but the winner did it well in the circumstances, coming from behind in a slowly run race and posting one of the fastest late splits of the entire meeting in the process (106.3% race finishing speed). The runners came down the centre of the course on ground that was tending towards “good to firm” by the second day.

ROGUE MILLENNIUM (110+ here, 109 previously) had shown bags of speed when just denied by Free Wind at 10.4f at York the time before, and that served her very well down to 8f in a race run at a slow early pace. She was steadied and held up going well, had a few lengths to make up 2f out, quickened to challenge with 1f to go and asserted for pressure in the final 100 yards. Her sectionals here and at York suggest she could rate into the mid-110s in the right sort of race.

RANDOM HARVEST (109 here, 108 previously) ran even better than before under one of the best non-winning rides of the week, dictating matters, shaken up over 2f out and joined soon after but responding well only to be outrun by Rogue Millennium in the final 100 yards. She should continue to give a good account.

PROSPEROUS VOYAGE (107 here, 112 previously) ran creditably if still just below her very peak of 2022, no excuses on the day, leading briefly early then remaining prominent, challenging from 2f out until one paced inside the final 1f.

JUMBLY (103 here, 107 previously) disappointed slightly though she did not quite have the chance the market implied, in mid-field until improving steadily to challenge approaching the final 1f, only to edge right and find no extra. She also tended to carry her head to one side earlier in the race and may not take much racing on ground firmer than good (as this just about was).

POTAPOVA (102 here, 110? previously) ran respectably, things not panning out ideally for her (though others coped better). She was slowly away (hood removed fractionally late) then travelled well held up, making headway in the penultimate 1f then no more late on.

LIGHTSHIP (100 here and previously) faced a stiff task and ran creditably under a patient ride, fastest of all from 3f out to 2f out but one paced in relative terms late on.

QUEEN AMINATU (95 here, 104 previously) was never really a threat and dipped below the form of her Lingfield third the time before, which came at 7f.

GRANDE DAME (94 here, 107 previously) shaped as if the race will bring her on, settling well but a bit awkward when asked 2f out (head to one side) and no impression. She won a listed race at Sandown and was placed in Group company in 2022.

HONEY GIRL (93 here, 106 previously) ran her second poorish race in a row, disputing second early but finding little.

INTERNATIONALANGEL (90 here, 106? previously) edged right after racing freely and ended up running poorest of all.