Expert Analysis

A race that revolved around how well Yibir, the long odds-on favourite, performed. In the event, he was quite some way from his best, as a result of which it took only a borderline smart effort to win it, a bit below the usual level. Tactics played a part in that, as the pace was slow for a long way and the last 3f finishing speed of 111% is well above par.  

LIVING LEGEND (110 here, 105 previously) made it win number 5 in this race (and 3 in a row) for the now rebranded Johnston stable with his best effort yet, and he is very much the type of hard-knocking older horse the stable does well with, helped by the run of things and a good ride but achieving borderline smart form in any case, soon close up, leading over 2f out and running on well for pressure despite drifting left. 

YIBIR (110 here, 121 previously) had a fine 3-y-o career, at least once he was gelded and his quirks disappeared, but he was back to his wayward ways here, a couple of lengths down when the pace really picked up with 3f to go but lugging right a couple of times before running on when it was too late. He will probably be back to his best again soon but this underlines that he may not be one to take short odds about. 

OUTBOX (106 here, 108 previously) ran his race while getting the run of things up front, finally quickening things with 3f to go but headed soon after and merely keeping on.

RED VERDON (93 here, 104 previously) is still useful but not Group 2 standard, and he was left behind when things finally heated up.

RAYMOND TUSK (71 here, 106 previously) faced quite a stiff task but ran below form anyway, eased when held.