Expert Analysis

A maximum field on this initially turning 1400m (which is in reality more like 1350m) and the draw may have played a part, stall 4 beating stalls 6 and 5. It was strongly-run but with the winner making all, that one completing the final 400m in 24.03s for a 99.6% finishing speed (using 1350m as the overall distance). It represents very smart form from him, for all that his opposition was not the strongest/heartiest and his main rival, More Thunder, had excuses.

MARANOA CHARLIE (118 here, 115 previously) is at his best bowling along at distances short of 1600m and was able to do that here despite the large field, quickening at halfway and getting a break of a length or 2 with 300m to go, holding on gamely. He is a very smart performer when things go right for him.

ZARIGANA (111 here, 112 previously) ran creditably but again failed to impress when the chips were down, bumped at the start then held up going well, making steady headway from 300m out to be just a length down soon after then finding little. She is talented, but it may take quite some ride to get her to put her head in front when it matters.

TEN BOB TONY (109+ here, 111 previously) ran creditably and deserves some extra credit, bumped at the start and ending up a bit wide though quite close up, under pressure a fair way out and responding gamely.

MORE THUNDER (109+ here, 120 previously) remains in form, conditions and circumstances not ideal here, but his still running some sort of a race. He was taken back and switched right from his outside stall, ending up a fair way back and staying on without looking like getting there over this shortened 1400m. He should go well next time assuming suitable conditions.

GEOGRAPHY (107 here, 110 previously) ran creditably at this shorter trip, steadied to track the pace and unable to quicken late on.

EXXTRA (100+ here and previously) showed something approaching her older form despite her wide draw meaning she was soon towards the rear.

GODSPEED (96 here, 105 previously)

ROSHVAR (98 here, 112 previously) ended up wide and close up, no extra late on and a bit better than the result.

KING’S GAMBLE (96 here, 110 previously) is only in so-so form and faded after racing prominently.

SAJIR (95+ here, 120 previously) was better than the result, switched and in rear from his wide draw, rather short of room mid-race and not knocked about/never on terms. He could do with backing up his Deauville form, which stands out compared to his other efforts.

ZOUM ZOUM (88 here, 103 previously)

WITNESS STAND (77 here, 119 previously) missed a beat at the start and was forced wide but was in trouble quite some way out even so.

TOPGEAR (73 here, 115 previously) is proving less than consistent.

DEVIL’S POINT (71 here, ? previously)

ZEROSTRESS (0 here, ? previously)

EXACTLY (0 here, 111 previously) was well backed but faded tamely when the heat was applied.