Expert Analysis

A race with a somewhat mixed record for a Group 1, winners such as Dalakhani, Bago and Thunder Snow this century interspersed with some far more forgettable names. This year’s winner is probably a bit below average but an admirable colt in many ways, tough and consistent, and just about smart as he showed again here. The pace was on the steady side – last 400m in 24.29s for a 107.5% finishing speed – but the first three came from a few lengths back and the order in was probably correct.

ANGEL BLEU (113 here and previously) won his second Group 1 in France, where this year’s juvenile crop is as weak as it has been in a long time, steadied into last at this longer trip, responding well out wide to lead approaching the final 200m and running on well despite wandering briefly. A son of Dark Angel but from the family of Highland Reel, he would not be sure to stay further still.

ANCIENT ROME (113 here, 109+ previously) got closer in the rematch, but not quite close enough, held up, making an effort 450m out and responding not quite as well as the winner at the same stage, carrying his head a bit awkwardly for a while but running on in the final 200m. Although from the family of Pour Moi, his breeding is primarily that of a miler.    

PURPLEPAY (106 here and previously) ran at least as well as when taking a valuable Sales Race at Longchamp last time easily, and hinted at a bit more to come, tracking the pace before steadied further and last turning in, short of room as she began to improve, switched and running on well. She has already won at 1800m and should get a bit further next year. 

AIKHAL (110 here, 103 previously) probably ran better than he had when filling the same position behind Coroebus the time before, a bit slowly away but soon tracking, taking a while to respond but staying on up the inner late in the day. He is likely to be suited by 10f/12f as a 3yo. My rating for the Autumn Stakes, won by Coroebus, has been edged up after the day’s events, incidentally.

TOIMY SON (103 here and previously) led until approaching the final 200m before weakening, running creditably nonetheless.

OSCULA (96 here, 102 previously) went freely close up and did not see things out, still there with a chance 300m out then weakening.