Woodbine Mile

[Hwjb]

Only just saw the race this morning, but here are some thoughts:

Hardly a vintage renewal of what used to be the Atto Mile, and notwithstanding Ad Valorem was giving weight away all round, a result that lends weight to the theory that the US defence of the Breeders' Cup Mile will be a strong one, Aragorn and Gorella of particular interest; the pace was strong and favoured those held up, Sweet Return best of those up with the pace throughout.

BECRUX: is an improved performer since being gelded in the summer and put up his best effort to date, bravely holding on after it had appeared the runner up would collar him close home; he probably stays 9f, but is at least as effective at 1m and wears bandages these days. It's worth bearing in mind that his only outing on ground softer than good (as a 2yo in Italy) was a poor effort.

REBEL REBEL: has generally been disappointing since finishing runner up to Footstepsinthesand at Newmarket last season, but this was a much better effort, proving that he remains competitive at the highest level, albeit getting the run of the race. 1m is likely to prove his optimum trip, and for all that he has won on good to soft, he appears best on fast ground.

AD VALOREM: wasn't entirely discredited giving weight all round, keeping on well from the rear without ever looking like getting on terms. However, he needs either a relatively weak G1 or for events to go very much his way (Queen Anne) to be successful at this level.