Expert Analysis

With no smart French-trained 2yo males around, this took less winning than it might have, but it would be a mistake to sell Puerto Rico short as he won decisively and in a smart relative time, the race going largely to form. He made all, going a sensible rather than strong pace initially, before forging away with a final 400m of 23.15s (104.4% finishing speed, taking the overall distance as 1350m, for it is certainly not the full 1400m that is advertised) on ground that was predominantly “good to soft” in British terms.

PUERTO RICO (116 here, 113 previously) has taken a while to get his act together but had shown himself to be smart at Doncaster and ran only a bit better again in taking this in good style. He made all, quickened 450m out and edged right briefly, running on strongly and under hands and heels again by the line. This sort of trip suits him better than shorter and he will stay at least 8f, his best 2 bits of form now having both come on ground a bit softer than good.

NIGHTTIME (109 here and previously) is probably about as good a French 2yo male as there is around, but that is not really saying a lot and was good enough only to secure 2^nd here. He tracked the pace going well, was caught a bit flat-footed 450m out then ran on pretty well (though still not quite as fast as the winner in the final two sections).

RAYIF (105 here, 108 previously) was a bit below his G3 winning form from Deauville the time before but can be upgraded slightly, further back than ideal and running on without getting in a blow.

CAMPACITE (103 here, 106 previously) is exposed as useful rather than better and ran respectably, spoiling his chance somewhat by hanging right 400m out.

IMPERIAL ME CEN (103 here, 97 previously) ran well, especially as he was briefly short of room, keeping on from towards the rear.

A BIT OF SPIRIT (98 here, 106 previously) was a bit disappointing, for all that his form was not the strongest, close up and free to begin with before finding little.

CIELO DI ROMA (98 here, ? previously)

TIME TO TURN (90+ here, 106 previously) is best forgiven this, carried back after going for a run up the rail (had been quite headstrong initially).

VARDIF (78 here, 105 previously)