Expert Analysis

Seldom a strong Group 2 (a declining Addeybb in 2022 had been about its best recent winner), but a bit stronger than usual this year, with 3 horses bringing in ratings of 115 or more. It was mostly well-run, also, with the field strung out, though the first 3 still had to do a fair bit of running to come from off the pace, the winner’s final 600m approximately 34.5s for a 109% finishing speed.

IRESINE (112+ here, 121 previously) was comfortably the best on form and did it pretty well under a well-timed ride, held up towards the rear and still with a bit to do when shaken up 500m out, running on steadily to lead with 100m to go. This was not top-drawer form, but he could have such a performance in him when everything pans out well for him (usually set plenty to do regardless of pace).

MARQUISAT (110+ here, 98+ previously) stepped up plenty on the form he had shown in winning 3 minor races out of 3, looking a staying type in racing in rear after a slow start, niggled along a few times then switched and staying on to lead briefly 200m out before the winner swooped past. He split a couple of pretty good horses here, and there could be more still to come.

JUNKO (109 here, 115 previously) ran respectably after a short break, held up and improving in similar fashion to the winner before one paced late on. He had won a 2500m Group 3 the time before, dispelling slight doubts about his stamina in the process.

MONTY (104 here and previously) is no more than useful now and ran creditably, travelling comfortably tracking the pace until leading briefly 300m out, hanging right when in front.

TRUE TESTAMENT (100 here, 103 previously) was close to form having raced up with the pace.

ZARAKEM (100 here and previously) had won a couple of listed races and ran to a similar level here with no obvious excuses.

GOOD FORTUNE (99 here, ? previously) got behind but probably ran OK, moderate late headway.

JACK DARCY (99 here, 115 previously) was possibly feeling the effects of a busy schedule, joined up front with 700m to go and finishing tamely.

MAX VEGA (90 here, 108 previously) was never going especially well on ground that was about as quick as he has encountered in the past 12 months.