Expert Analysis

A race with a fine roll of honour. Whirl will do well to rival the likes of Bluestocking (won 12 months ago before going onto land the Arc) and Via Sistina (successful in 2023 before winning a host of G1s in Australia, including the Cox Plate), but that is not out of the question given her battling and ultimately authoritative victory here, which is up to scratch for the race over a longer period. It was run at a slightly steady pace, resulting in a time nearly 1.0s slower than Trustyourinstinct managed in the preceding G3, and with the winner’s 23.43s final 2f coming out at a 106.7% finishing speed.

WHIRL (116 here and previously) provided a boost for the form of the Oaks, along with the 4^th here, and as with the winner of that race Minnie Hauk is now rated 116, this test possibly suiting her slightly better than the filly she beat on the day but also allowing her to showcase her admirable and straightforward qualities. She made nearly all, was pushed along 3f out and headed narrowly/briefly over 1f out, where she bumped with the second, but rallied tremendously to assert in the final 1f. All the good 10f/12f races for her sex should be on the agenda for her hereafter.

KALPANA (114 here, 118 previously) ran respectably but no better than at a fraction further here in open company the time before and ideally will be suited by a return to 12f. She raced mostly in second, disputed the lead after 3f out and was soon shaken up then ridden to nose ahead briefly over 1f out, edging right/bumped and one paced late on.

SURVIE (110 here and previously) ran well having been keeping good company in France (7^th in last year’s Arc), in mid-field, unable to go with the front 2 straight away then staying on. She is every bit as good at 12f/2400m.

WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY (110 here and previously) ran well back at 10f, though her 4^th in the Oaks looks better now in any case, held up in rear, niggled over 4f out and staying on well late in the day.

JANCIS (101 here, 102 previously) ran creditably at a trip that may tax her stamina, steadied early and never a real threat.

HIGHER LEAVES (97 here, 102 previously) went quite freely before weakening, a bit below form.

MAGICAL HOPE (93 here, 99 previously) looked like running at least as well as previously when making some headway from mid-field 3f out, only to drop away again.