This was a proper staying Grade 1, but not a spectacular one on the clock — it was about control, timing, and stamina, and the winner made it look straightforward.
Race Shape & Context
- Slow time (4.7s below standard) on good-to-yielding ground.
- Even gallop, no mad pressure early.
- Race decided from 3 out to the last, where stamina and positioning mattered most.
It turned into a selective contest rather than a war.
Winner: Teahupoo (5/2)
RPR 168 | TS 127 | OR 162
This was a statement performance, even without a flashy time.
- Market: Solid support, always respected.
- Run style: Travelled smoothly, crept into it, struck decisively.
- Key phase: Took control just after 2 out and put the race to bed before the last.
The RPR 168 is elite staying-hurdle form and fully deserved. He didn’t need to go hard early; once asked, he simply outstayed and outclassed them. Minor jumping errors early didn’t matter.
Verdict: This confirmed him as the clear benchmark stayer. Rock-solid, relentless, and dependable.
2nd: Bob Olinger (11/1)
RPR 160 | TS 121 | OR 164
A very encouraging run.
- Market: Drifting outsider.
- Run style: Held up, stayed on strongly.
- Reality: Never threatened the winner, but pulled clear of the rest.
This was a big step back in the right direction. The RPR says he ran close to his peak level for this trip, even if Teahupoo was always out of reach.
Verdict: Back as a Grade 1 stayer. Still vulnerable to the very best, but no longer a question mark.
3rd: Ballyburn (13/8F)
RPR 153 | TS 115 | OR 160
This was disappointing for a strong favourite.
- Market: Heavily backed.
- Run style: Keen early, raced prominently.
- Issue: Jumping error 4 out and emptied when pressure came on.
He never looked comfortable once the race turned into a stamina test. The figures show a clear drop below expectation.
Verdict: This exposed him as not yet a fully formed stayer at this level. Still classy, but learning.
4th: Home By The Lee (12/1)
RPR 152 | TS 114 | OR 160
Respectable but ageing.
- Brief mid-race rally.
- Couldn’t sustain it late.
Verdict: Still honest, but this level now finds him out unless conditions are perfect.
The Others
The Yellow Clay (4/1)
RPR 134
Never got competitive once the pace lifted.
Verdict: This was a bridge too far in Grade 1 company over this trip.
Rocky’s Diamond / Jetara / Mystical Power
Outclassed and weakened predictably.
Overall Race Verdict
- Strong Grade 1 at the top, thin behind.
- Winner miles clear on substance, not just the result.
- Race reinforced the existing staying-hurdle hierarchy rather than reshaping it.
Bottom line:
Teahupoo didn’t need fireworks — he controlled, pressed, and broke them. This was championship staying-hurdle form, and the rest were racing for places from a long way out.
TimeWise Chronicles 
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