Strong rating for easy winner Two Tribes suggests above-average running of Stewards' Cup - beaten favourite still of big interest

Two Tribes recorded the widest margin of victory in the Stewards’ Cup since Khaadem in 2019, becoming only the fourth winner in 20 years to go clear by two lengths or more. Dropping back in trip, the four-year-old recorded a personal-best Racing Post Rating of 111+, evidence of a stronger standard for the big handicap than we’ve seen in more recent runnings. 

Although Two Tribes had been trading at double-figure odds the night before, we weren’t entirely blindsided by the result. He returned the 11-2 second favourite, having been backed from 9-1 in the show. This was in part due to the course running more evenly than anticipated, with those drawn high getting a fairer crack of the whip. But by no means was Two Tribes greatly advantaged by his draw. He was also under a 6lb penalty for winning at Ascot the week before, adding to the impressive nature of the victory. 

The win was part of a brilliant training performance by Richard Spencer. The stable's Run Boy Run recorded a personal best RPR of 102 in fourth, finding a new level with the application of the visor for the first time, while Twilight Calls returned to form with a best RPR (102) since the Garrowby Stakes at York last September.