THE meeting opened with yet another smooth success from Baaeed (129+), who is now unbeaten in eight racecourse appearances.

Jim Crowley tracked main rival Real World as the small field divided before having to exert nothing more than hands and heels from the two-furlong marker to land a fourth successive Group 1.

The son of Sea The Stars clocked a stunning closing sectional considering he was not hard pressed, with his 34.22secs better than all except the first two home in the King’s Stand Stakes.

Real World (126) improved his position in relation to the winner when compared to Newbury and his finishing effort of 34.77secs suggests he possesses the ability to land a Baaeed-free Group 1.

Coventry

In comparison to their elders, the juveniles in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes were slower overall when adjusted for distance, which says more about the quality of the older horses rather than detracting from the performance of Bradsell (106+).

Along with Royal Scotsman (102), the winner looked to be on the back foot early as the race developed away from them with Rousing Encore, Lakota Blue and Harry Time dominating the speed from their middle draws.

However, heading to the final two furlongs, Hollie Doyle produced Bradsell with a smooth challenge which saw the partnership home in 34.83secs from the three-furlong pole, with the telling furlongs between the three and the one as Archie Watson’s juvenile strung together 11.31 furlongs as his rivals faded.

Persian Force (102) stopped the clock at 35.05secs to edge out Royal Scotsman who posted 35.22secs for the same distance of ground.

I would be inclined to upgrade the effort of Paul & Oliver Cole’s colt as he drifted markedly to the stands side, which probably costed him second place.

Strange race

Blackbeard (96) ran a strange race, combining travelling strongly early with being outpaced passing halfway before finishing off well. The son of No Nay Never completed his race in 35.54secs.

The finisher from the rear was Waiting All Night (95+) who challenged in the centre despite being drawn close to the stands’ side rail.

James Doyle explored several gaps before his mount was able to deliver his finishing effort of 35.33secs.