A race much weakened by late non-runners on account of “going”, including Jasour and Unquestionable, and others who might have been here were absent also, though in the end Vandeek took it like an up-to-scratch winner, in a smart time. It was well-run, on ground that was predominantly “soft”, with the winner’s finishing speed at 100.1%.
VANDEEK (112+ here, 92+ previously) was one of the best of the breeze-up horses (fetched 625,000 guineas) and had achieved a fair bit in victory at Nottingham on his debut, but this was a whole higher level altogether. He was slowly into his stride but soon tracking the pace, shaken up and made headway 2f out, quickened to lead approaching the final 1f then wandered when under pressure, pushed out near the line as the second closed. All in all, he still seemed green and should improve again, which makes him a major contender for the best 5f/6f juvenile races coming up.
BALLYMOUNT BOY (108 here, 88+ previously) improved greatly on what he had done before, showing very useful form, and that despite taking a while to get his act together. He was slowly away and held up in touch (shade free), made an effort 2f out and really found his stride in the final 1f, still closing by the line. He should stay 7f.
TOCA MADERA (88 here, 101 previously) looked something of a short-runner under these conditions, not that he could be expected to beat the first 2 anyway, travelling comfortably in the lead for a long way but weakening after headed approaching the final 1f and flashing his tail.
HALA EMARAATY (79 here, 86 previously) looks to lack physical scope but ran respectably in the face of a stiff task, close up until fading after halfway.
BOBSLEIGH (77 here, 102 previously) ran poorly again and may need good ground or firmer.
SKETCH (0 here, 90+ previously) had looked promising when winning at Newbury but dropped right away after being fairly prominent to halfway.
NAZALAN (0 here, 80 previously)
