RACE REPORT

Go to: | Progeny winners

 A useful-looking renewal of this Group 2 contest, which is widely regarded as the last major trial for the St Leger, this year to be staged on this course.
Quite what to make of the outcome is difficult, because, under these slow conditions, the closing stages of the race proved pretty laboured for most of these, with the obvious exception of YOUMZAIN, who came from last to first.
Dropped in early on, and allowed to travel well within himself, the winner still had plenty of running to do three furlongs out. Gradually creeping into the action entering the final quarter of a mile, he got on top towards the finish. This victory confirmed the winner's staying powers and also his ability to handle easy ground. Although he appears to hold his head a tad higher than ideal, he looks willing enough and there was plenty to like about this performance.
Red Rocks travelled smoothly through the race and had still not been asked a question when he got to the front. He soon edged to his right, on to the rails, under pressure and he was gradually worn down towards the finish. Speed, rather than stamina, seems to be his forte and there must be a doubt that he would stay any further than this, which would obviously be a worry if he returns for the St Leger.
Puerto Rico, one of Aidan O'Brien's two runners, had been firmly put in his place in Group 1 races on his last two starts, ran a sound race in third, even though he was unable to match the pace of the front two.
The Last Drop, returningfrom a two-month break, raced here with a first-time tongue-tie and shaped better than when last seen in the King George V Handicap.
Soapy Danger, who made the running, was strongly tackled in the straight, and was gradually outpointed before weakening towards the finish. It transpired that he had suffered a suspected fracture of his near-fore fetlock.
Fire And Rain, in at the deep end on his belated seasonal debut, after winning his maiden on his only start at two, ran just a satisfactory race, but was comfortably held at the business end.
Stage Gift, not seen out since hosing up in a hot handicap at Epsom's Derby meeting, moved through to challenge once in line for home and was then hampered by Soapy Danger on the rails before weakening. He was allowed to come home in his own time once his chance had gone.
Papal Bull, not seen since landing the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, is the sort of horse who races on and off the bridle, and he was being rousted along behind the leaders turning for home. His effort proved short-lived and he was a beaten horse entering the last two furlongs. This was a disappointing return to action, but the ground may have been to blame.
Championship Point, who reportedly finished stiff in the Derby, failed to return to form here and dropped right away in the final couple of furlongs as though something again might have been amiss. [T.O'R]

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