It was a long way away from Irish Derby form as PEARLY KING got home, but only narrowly. Indeed, it looked as if he was not going to get by the runner-up, but when his rider gave him a smack of the whip, he picked up and won a shade comfortably. He will stay further and he could be the type to progress and win a decent handicap.

Nihal disappointed in his last run last term, but he had been in good heart previously and this was more like him. He stuck to his task well and though the winner had the call over him, he was clear second best.

Heureux was well beaten in the end and itcould have either been the trip or the fact that he was having his first run since October 21. He has to be worth another look.

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