JUDDMONTE MIDDLE

PARK STAKES (GROUP 1)

THOSE of a nautical bent could hardly go wrong in the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, where O’Brien’s U S Navy Flag held stable-companion Fleet Review by half a length with the battle-hardened Cardsharp back in third. The Ballydoyle maestro saddled four, with Ryan Moore aboard 11/2 chance Sioux Nation. However, his task became that much harder with a wall of horses blocking his path at the two-furlong marker and he could manage only sixth when switched outside.

Meanwhile, 10/1 chance U S Navy Flag and Seamie Heffernan, having pressed early leader Hey Jonesy, went on and maintained the gallop all the way to the line despite edging right.

The winner, by War Front out of the Galileo mare Misty For Me, had won a Group 3 at the Curragh last time and is progressing well. He should be even more effective on faster ground and seven furlongs looks within his compass.

“He’s a brother to Roly Poly and takes his racing well,” the trainer said. “He has progressed with every run and we’ll have a look at the Dewhurst. He’s a hardy horse. Donnacha wanted Fleet Review to run in this and he’s run a storming race, too.”