FULL Mast (9-pace adjusted 29) was allowed to get away with setting a ludicrously slow pace in the Group 3 Prix la Rochette over Longchamp’s short seven-furlong course (it’s actually more like 6.8 furlongs).

He took the field along for the first five furlongs in a time a monstrous 8.25 seconds slower than they went in the Prix du Pin for older horses.

He then sprinted flat out to the finish over the last quarter mile, running it 2.96 seconds faster than they did in the Prix du Pin.

When a front runner is allowed to go so slow for so long and then sprint for home it’s almost impossible to catch them. So, despite the fact he’s a good-bodied, mature, classy looking sort with a very nice pedigree, I’d be wary of saying Full Mast is better than the horses he beat here.

In fact, I’d be rather confident that a couple of them will turn the form around. Namely Romeo Lima and Nucifera who have both earned bigger speed ratings from me in the past.

Romeo Lima (8-pace adjusted 28) is the obvious hard luck story in the race. He not only had the huge disadvantage of trying to gain ground into an accelerating pace but was also badly boxed in.

His jockey tried to get his mount through for a while but saw it was a hopeless cause and allowed his mount to coast inside the last furlong, saving him for next time.

Romeo Lima is the horse who clocked a sensational 10.51 seconds for the last furlong when winning up the straight at Deauville on his debut.

I find it interesting that he’s entered in the Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes as well as his more obvious target the Jean-Luc Lagardere. It could be he’d do better in the British races as they’re up the straight.

Wherever he ends up next time I’d be interested in his chances on this showing. He continues to look a smart prospect.

Nucifera (8-pace adjusted 28) had a clear run down the outside but couldn’t be expected to make up the ground on a leader that had been allowed to go so slow. Nonetheless he finished with a flourish.

He looks built and bred to appreciate longer so I’m interested to see he’s in the Royal Lodge Stakes over a mile. He’s also in the Dewhurst. Most likely he’ll end up in the Jean Luc Lagardere where I’d bet on him reversing the form with the winner.