The first 600m was run quite fast and overall this race rated well for the grade. It set up nicely for the run-on horses, so whilst it was a solid win to Smart Charade, Noble De Love was sound in defeat and he might be one to keep safe considering he was second-up this term. 

For a Class 3, this race rated through the roof and the win of Regency Legend was exceptional. He was three-wide without cover (off the rail was probably a good thing) but posted a time in line with the Hong Kong International Sprint (G1) and off a stronger lead speed, he closed with a final-400m almost identical to Mr Stunning whilst carrying 2lbs more. Regency Legend, based on this effort, is a G1 quality sprinter. 

This was run at a genuine tempo throughout and it set up nicely for the run-on horses. Overall, this race rated exceptionally high and not far off the Hong Kong Cup. The form should stack up well out of this event with Bigwood and Ho Ho Khan the obvious, whilst Amazing Agility was basically detached but ran on well.

Ultimately, it was a great win to Exultant who worked early to settle handy but the key section for him was between the 800m and 400m where he was almost a second outside standard. This also meant Lys Gracieux had to sustain a run for 700m which she couldn’t do, peaking at the 100m. It was a great ride on Exultant, but the fact he could settle handy meant all the difference. It was a messy race, Waldgeist was smashed on the turn, but still posted the best final-200m and I would imagine with even luck he goes very close to winning. 

The pace was just even at best for this class of horse but the surprising thing was they didn’t come home that quickly considering. Hot King Prawn was just plain disappointing as a consequence, but perhaps he had been up long enough and I’m not sure the rail was ideal. Beat The Clock is the one that ran well given the tempo but we have said that many times before! There isn’t much between the top four sprinters there. 

Obviously, the worst rating race of the day with an absolute dawdle in front. Charity Go, ridden contrary to his run prior still should have won but for being held up and he the best final-200m (11.02) at the meeting. The race will work out well I am sure with some nice horses but how much can be learned from a 400m sprint is anyone’s guess, especially with a number of them not getting clear running. 

A very high rating performance from Beauty Generation, who pretty much wins his races by posting solid sectionals through the middle stages. He has a high cruising speed and can sustain it. Not much else to add but surprsingly this win rated similarly to last year. 

A relatively even tempo was set throughout and once Glorious Forever attained the lead and wasn’t pressured, he was well-suited. Deirdre was enormous in defeat, running an 11.36 final-200m which was the third-best final-200m at the meeting! If they decide to go to Dubai with her then she would be one to follow. 

This was clearly a race to be closer to the lead with a gradual increase in tempo. Those that figured in the finish had a fair bit in their favour, but Volpino ran very well again. He makes the SID file following a solid final-400m (22.28 second-best at the meeting) and he is on the brink of a drop in grade. Although I think he can win in this class and might be value next time.

Another race where they crawled thorugh the early stages and sprinted home. The winner went to a new level for John Moore (ex-Freedman) and maybe he is open to some more progress. There wasn’t any market support for Shamport who worked home okay and he might be one to watch again.