RACE REPORT

Go to: Progeny winners

 A first Classic success for Jeremy Noseda and SIXTIES ICON lived up to his pre-race billing with a performance of compelling class.
He has emerged as a most progressive individual and his smooth success in the Gordon Stakes had underlined that potential, but he has obviously gone on from that and few Classics are won in such breathtaking style.
He had been settled off the pace but once entering the straight he made his progress easily and his jockey was straining his neck muscles checking the whereabouts of the eventual third as he travelled strongly on the bridle inside the final three furlong. Three looks back and a glance left told those who had stayed loyal to the favourite that he had all his rival cooked and when unleashed inside the final furlong he quickened in style to win comfortably.
He may not yet be the finished article and could well improve further to stake a major in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for which he will be supplemented if coming out of the race in desired fashion.
The Last Drop had shown a return to form when fourth in the Great Voltigeur and reversed placing with the runner-up on that occasion over this longer trip. He was always holding a handy position just off the pace until coming into the thick of action in straight and took up the running over a furlong out and stayed on well without having the pace to defy the winner. He looks the sort improve again with another year on his back and should win his share in staying events next season.
Red Rocks was given a fine ride by Richard Hughes to give him a chance of staying the trip and probably just didn't quite see it out. He was anchored at the back in the early stages and was brought with his run at the same time as the winner and followed him through. He had every chance over furlong out, but having gone past the eventual fourth, found that horse coming back at him in the final 100 yards. Like the first two home, another son of Galileo, he looks certain to add to his score and a drop in trip willbe beneficial.
Ask has been narrowly beaten in handicap here last time and justified the decision to run him in this Classic. He was held up off the pace and came through to have every chance two furlongs and is obviously improving with experience.
Tusculum came out best of the Aidan O'Brien trained trio and kept on well in the closing stages after being held up. He gave the impression that he needs further and is a lightly-raced individual who could well improve further.
Jadalee hadfinished a length and three quarters behind the winner in the Gordon, which adds strength to the opinion that Sixties Icon has improved. He ran well enough and there will be other staying opportunities for him at Listed level.
Mountain ran with great credit and was another with every chance in the final two furlongs after racing up with the pace throughout. He may not have seen the trip out but there are races to be won with him.
Mont Etoile, the only filly in the race, never looked likely to follow the example of User Friendly in 1992 and Championship Point came through lead over four furlongs out before fading once headed and Galient was soon leading but was eased when beaten in the final two furlongs and didn't run up to his best(TE).

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