Expert Analysis

Another high-quality Coral-Eclipse, which attracted the winners of two Prix du Jockey Clubs, an International Stakes, an Irish 2000 Guineas, and two Dubai Turfs, among many other major contests. It was a rather messy affair, however, with the runners a bit in a heap at the end of a race in which a steady early pace heated up markedly on the turn and early in the home straight, but which had fairly ordinary splits for the final 1f (96.9% finishing speed), and the runner-up was unlucky in being denied a run at a crucial stage. Nonetheless, the form can be rated quite highly with the slight caveat that 3yos are arguably favoured by weight-for-age allowances at this stage of proceedings to a small but significant degree.

VADENI (123 here, 121 previously) accounted for much better opposition than had been the case when winning the 10.4f Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly by 5 lengths the time before, and did it in style as well until rather hanging on at the death. He was held up last, briefly urged along at the hottest part of the race 4f out, switched outside 2f out and quickened really well to lead approaching the final 1f then was ridden out.

He is high-class, and with the possibility of better still to come, though that seems most likely to be at around this trip rather than further. His jockey was suspended for 12 days for careless riding following an incident just after the line. 

MISHRIFF (123+ here, 127 previously) was unlucky not to win narrowly rather than be beaten narrowly given how things panned out, back in fine heart now and a major contender for the International Stakes at York which he won most impressively last year. He was unruly beforehand and went to post without parading, then was slowly away in the race itself, soon recovering and in touch, pushed along 4f out at the hottest part of the race then stuck in traffic as he improved 2f out, steadied and switched before finishing strongly.

NATIVE TRAIL (122 here, 120 previously) ran at least as well as ever and proved his stamina for 10f in no uncertain terms (as striding had suggested he would), held up in touch and slightly niggled at various stages, driven well over 2f out and soon disputing the lead then edging right but staying on. This was a tough examination out of his own age group for the first time and he acquitted himself well.

LORD NORTH (121 here, 116 previously) was back to his best after his abortive run at Royal Ascot, tracking the pace travelling well, squeezing through over 1f out and with every chance until one paced at the death. There will be plenty of opportunities for him at 9f/10f.

BAY BRIDGE (115 here, 121 previously) was well-backed but disappointed slightly and failed to impress with his finishing effort, racing in second before shaken up to challenge well over 2f out, putting his head to one side briefly but leading for a short while then with not a lot of room and finding little. His last two runs have at least matched what he did prior to his spectacular Brigadier Gerard Stakes win, but he has at the same time looked less than 100% comfortable on the firmer ground.

ALENQUER (114 here, 119 previously) ran no more than respectably, leading, increasing the pace at halfway, ridden 3f out and headed after, weakening late on.