Expert Analysis

A poor turnout numerically and not entirely making up for it in quality. It was a slowly-run affair, with the winner’s 21.97s for the final 400m the fastest on the entire card (despite being at the joint-longest trip) and equal to a 113.6% finishing speed.

ARROW EAGLE (112+ here and previously) has come a long way since a beaten favourite in a provincial listed race in September, winning all 4 starts since and showing smart form again here. He raced in 2nd then 3rd, was shaken up fully 600m out but responded to have every chance soon after, getting on top only close home.

SIBAYAN (112 here, 110 previously) narrowed the gap between himself and the winner from the Hedouville (in which all 4 here had run), awkward leaving his stall and pushed along to lead then dictating and battling well when challenged.

JUNKO (111 here, 115 previously) ran more encouragingly than he had in the Hedouville if still not back to his best from before his absence, in 2nd by halfway and with every chance through the closing stages, just unable to quicken as well as 2 others.

MONT DE SOLEIL (109 here, 107 previously) was in 4th throughout but 2nd-quickest in the final 400m behind the winner and only pushed out when clearly held, seeming to run well.