Expert Analysis

A race with a chequered history regarding pointers for the future, won by Waldgeist in 2016 but none of the winners since has won a subsequent race. El Bodegon deserves credit for a borderline smart performance but it probably owed more than a bit to a well-judged front-running ride, it turning into something of a sprint over the final 600m (36.77s, 112.6% finishing speed), and second, fourth, fifth and eighth better than the result. 

EL BODEGON (110 here, 103 previously) benefited from a well-judged ride but can be credited with improvement even so, making all, initially at a slow/steady pace, upping it 800m out and again on turning in, a couple of lengths clear under pressure much of the home straight then pushed out until near the line. Although by Kodiac, his very smart brother Best Solution was best around 12f, and he’s going to stay that far himself.

STONE AGE (107+ here, 102 previously) has had 5 races now without winning but has quite possibly not yet shown his best, held up in mid-field and taking while to respond to pressure before staying on well to be nearest at the finish. He is likely to be suited by at least 12f next year.

GOLDSPUR (105 here and previously) ran about as well as when winning the Zetland Stakes the time before but did not impress under pressure, second for a long way, and therefore well positioned but wandering when the chips were down and finding little. He should stay 12f.

BUCKAROO (105+ here, 98 previously) gives the impression there is more to come from him, held up in rear and plenty to do 500m out before late headway and never nearer, fastest of all in the final 400m. His dam won at 12f and stayed 14f, and those kind of trips seem likely to suit him next year.

UNCONQUERABLE (104+ here, 105 previously) was somewhat better than the result, though may struggle at the top level anyway, steadied to track the pace, still with a bit to do 500m out but finslly making some inroads late in the piece. His dam stayed 16f and he is likely to need further than this trip next year.

DILLIAN (103 here, 91 previously) improved a good deal further but was better positioned than some others, one paced when hampered 150m out. He is bred for 12f+ as a 3yo.

DREAMFLIGHT (102 here and previously) had fewer excuses than some others, always around mid-field and no headway late on.

MARTEL (100+ here and previously) closed a bit late on having been held up (awkward leaving his stall), running at least as well as when winning a couple of ordinary races previously. He may still do better.

GARACHICO (98 here and previously) was outpaced in the home straight but not discredited.