Expert Analysis

The smallest field for this race since Enable also beat just three rivals in 2019, which was disappointing, but it still provided a meaningful contest and ultimately another very smart success for Minnie Hauk. The fact that she won in the 3rd-fastest time this century at this course reflected ground that was on the quick side of good but also a good pace, set by Garden of Eden, with Minnie Hauk’s final 2f of 24.37s prompting a very close to par 101.1% finishing speed and her overall time a good one in context.

MINNIE HAUK (119 here and previously) continues to sweep all before her, against her own sex at least, and was ultimately good where it mattered, more impressive than at the Curragh with a truer pace to aim at, held up several lengths off it until closing approaching 3f out, leading with 2f to go and soon on top for a few cracks with the whip, running on strongly. She should provide stern opposition for the best of the males, assuming she gets a decent test of stamina at 12f, that is.

ESTRANGE (113 here, 108+ previously) ran her best race yet and seemed beaten on merit rather than by the firmer ground (which her connections would have preferred to have avoided), held up last and going well, improving smoothly 3f out and going as short as 6/4 in running soon after, but then put in her place by the very smart winner. She has the pace to be effective back at a bit shorter.

GARDEN OF EDEN (107 here and previously) ran about as well as could be expected against 2 classy rivals, setting a good pace and soon several lengths clear, coming back to them over 3f out and headed 1f later, one paced.

QILIN QUEEN (77 here, 103 previously) failed to run her race, in second until 3f out then weakening quickly, but needed a new personal best to finish anything other than last in this company in any case.