Another frustrating Group 1 defeat

Twenty four hours after Ombudsman had got nailed close home by Delacroix in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown, another Top 40 entry did likewise at Hamburg on Sunday. The Karl Burke trained Convergent raced handily throughout the Group 1 German Derby before hitting the front early in the homestraight. Despite coming under strong pressure, Clifford Lee's mount responded well and look set for Classic glory only to be headed on the line Hochkonig and was beaten a short head. Third behind the subsequent Epsom Derby one two in the Chester Vase on his previous start, the son of Fascinating Rock deserves to win a big prize this year. His trainer has suggested he will be given a break before returning towards the end of August or early September. A fine big colt who should make an even better four year old, he doesn't want the ground too quick. 

Across Europe in France, Deauville staged the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat with a strong home challenge including Cosmic Year, Shadow of Light and The Lion In Winter. The first named, featured in the Top 40, travelled strongly under Colin Keane but found disappointingly little once asked for his effort. Harry Charlton's Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up faded inside the final furlong trailing in seventh. Perhaps he is worth a try over six furlongs and it might be tempting to entry him in the Haydock Sprint Cup in September. The Lion In Winter faded best of the trio finishing a neck in front of the Godolphin runner in third and fourth respectively. Victory went to the Francis Graffard trained Woodshauna with compatriot Maranoa Charlie in second.