Expert Analysis

The ground was “soft” judged on times more widely, having been forecast to be less testing than that, though there is not much to go on with this race in isolation as it takes place over the less-used round 8f. It appeared to be run at a steady pace (no sectionals available at the time of writing) and the winner was assisted by that to a degree but very likely put up a smart effort even so, a fraction above par in a race won by the likes of Saxon Warrior (rated 114 in 2017, when this was run at Naas) and Luxembourg (113 in 2021).

HAWK MOUNTAIN (112+ here, 97+ previously) is probably one of the best 2yo prospects from a stable that is full of talent and won this well, even allowing for his having the run of things to a degree. He dictated/disputed much of the way, was shaken up and jinked 2f out then came under stronger pressure and quickly asserted seeming to be dossing late on. By the recently-deceased Wootton Bassett, out of the G1 winner at 8f and 12f Hydrangea, he should be suited by 10f/12f himself when the time comes and could go a long way.

GERYON (104 here, 108 previously) was beaten further than he had been by Constitution River here last month and probably not quite in the same form, tracking the pace but soon quite laboured when asked to pick up and only getting back up for 2^nd in the final strides. He should be more effective at this than shorter.

AL HAARITH (104 here, 86 previously) seemed to show useful form and looks a near-certainty back in maiden company, improving from last (had been a bit slowly away) into 2^nd until one paced near the end.

SHAIHAAN (98 here, 86 previously)

PORT OF SPAIN (97 here, 85 previously)