The profile of the Norfolk Stakes has been on the up in recent seasons with winners of the calibre of Johannesburg, Dutch Art and Winker Watson all proving the race to be more than worthy of its Group 2 status. This edition, although hit by a number of morning defectors, looked well up to scratch and contained, among others, Tuesday's WindsorCastle Stakes victor and a host of impressive previous winners.
One of those past winners duly obliged, with SOUTH CENTRAL making all to justify the lofty reputation he carried into the contest. A 13-length debut victory had marked him down as a tremendous prospect, and he built on that impression by breaking professionally from the gate before showing blistering speed to lead from start to finish down the centre of the track. Although the winning time he recorded was almost a second slower than that achieved by Wednesday's Queen Mary Stakes winner Langs Lash, that can be attributed to the strong headwind South Central raced into. Indeed, the fact that he got no cover from the gusts makes his performance all the more admirable, as does the fact that he displayed courage in abundance to last home having seemed very likely to be collared through most of the final furlong.
Trainer Howard Johnson is adamant the son of Forest Camp wants easier ground and an extra furlong, and the way the still unfurnished youngster so gamely finished his race makes one think that 6f could well be within his compass. All that being the case, it is entirely feasible that another major juvenile prize could come his way, but is very difficult to picture him as a 2,000 Guineas contender, so even the 50-1 offered by William Hill makes no appeal.
Spin Cycle ran a fine race to take second and looks a certain future Group winner. The hat-trick-seeker was a little awkward from the gate and then tended to pull a tad through the first furlong, but more of a hindrance to his chance was that he found himself racing all alone towards the stands' side and far away from the winner. That being the case, he did not really have a target to aim at, which may also explain why he shifted slightly to his right under pressure. Connections, who were understandably delighted, believe the horse to be all speed and have their eyes set on the Molecomb Stakes.
Windsor Castle winner Flashmans Papers faced a stiff task attempting to follow up just two days later, and rider Steve Drowne did concede that a slight edge might have been taken off the horse as a result of those earlier exertions. However, he ran a screamer and might well have finished third had he not had to be switchedaround the field to go forward for his final effort. This run showed his Tuesday win to be no fluke and he could easily be capable of winning a Group race before the season ends.
John Best-trained stablemate Elegant Cad is another much admired at home, and he certainly has a high level of ability. Liam Keniry appeared keen to hold on to the debut fourth for as long as possible, but once he did let him go the response was only ordinary. Nevertheless, a maiden win should be a formality.
Cerito showed similar speed to South Central through the first three furlongs before paying the price, while Klynch made his own task harder by trying to lug right.
Servoca made a bold mid-race move but did not look comfortable on the ground and repeatedly changed his legs.
Sun Ship and Skid Solo were outpaced from the start, as was Baycat, who may have been unsuited by the fast surface.
James Doyle reported that Baycat hung right. [LM]
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