Godolphin

8 ran 1m23.29  
Owner: Fasthandle Ltd

Traditionally one of the more meaningful juvenile races, but this year's was more about potential than proven form, as none had won a pattern event beforehand, while only two had even contested one, so perhaps no surprise it turned out a substandard renewal, the level little better than useful, for all Vital Equine improved greatly, and overall the race was muddling, several (including the winner) not settling as the early pace was modest, though the final time was highly respectable. VITAL EQUINE (IRE) should go on again, as he's done all that has been asked of him so far, and that this was in many ways an inferior Group 2 is no detraction from his own progress, 3 from 3 and much improved following a 3-month absence, reportedly by design, though tongue tied for his return, while he did well to prevail in that he took a strong hold until given his head more in front around halfway, from then on proving game, finding more after the third headed him briefly; a tall sort, by Danetime but with stamina on his dam's side, on this showing he may be best kept to 7f this autumn, though whichever Group 1 entry is chosen he'll need to progress again to hold his own; it was a second renewal in a row for Eoghan O'Neill, who has had a quieter season so far than last with his 2-y-os, while maintaining a good standard and strike rate among them. EAGLE MOUNTAIN has shown himself smart over 7f, though it may be that 1m is the making of him, and it was encouraging that he all but matched the improvement of his second to Teofilo in the well-run Futurity as this greater emphasis on speed looked against him, outpaced and dropping back to fifth before getting up his full gallop, likely to have won in another 50 yds; for all the juvenile potential lurking at Ballydoyle he'll surely be at the forefront of his trainer's mind for the Royal Lodge and/or Racing Post Trophy. COCKNEY REBEL (IRE) may turn out smart next year, as he hasn't yet the strength to match his frame, and moreover he's developed well in little time this campaign, his form decidedly useful as it is, with this another step up on his second in a 6f sales race here on soft ground, looking more professional, keeping closer touch and even edging ahead 1f out; one of the first crop of Val Royal, a Group winner up to 10f and tried in the Derby, he'll stay 1m as a 3-y-o. KIRKLEES (IRE) was easy to back, despite his appeareance and proven worth, third in the Vintage, but that may indeed be his limit for this season at least as he could only confirm his Goodwood form, rather than continue his rise, and he had the run of things including as he settled better than some, shaping as if less and not more may suit him trip-wise, though he still holds big autumn entries at 1m. FISHFORCOMPLIMENTS got his career back going the right way, but only on form, as with headgear put on he again looked a difficult ride, certainly not giving his all, despite the strong pressure, though he was still running on at the end; he may be all the more mature next year, and he's yet to be gelded. THOUSAND WORDS took the eye beforehand, just as he had when winning his first 2 starts, but he didn't come up to expectations, finding little having loomed upsides, this a higher grade, though he should be well up to it, given how his latter Newbury success has worked out; he may yet improve more, including longer term, as physically he's the type to train on well. CELTIC SULTAN (IRE) has seemingly had his limitations exposed since upgraded, his form no more than fairly useful, though he hasn't helped himself by racing freely at 7f.PRINCE FOREVER (IRE) might have found this too much too soon, but the main issue was that he pulled hard, to the extent he was done with by halfway; he's worth another chance to improve, and that he was tried in a Group 2 at his stage looks significant given the stable, albeit following an impressive debut.