Inevitable or disappointing? Experts assess Masar's performance in defeat

Our Racing Post experts have their say after Masar's fifth-placed finish on his first start for over 12 months in the Hardwicke Stakes.

Not rushing to back him for King George

The Hardwicke Stakes did not look a vintage renewal and the fact the 105-rated Nagano Gold was unlucky not to beat Defoe tells you Masar performed a long way below his best in fifth. Admittedly, he slipped coming out of the stalls and was not ideally positioned in a steadily run race. He was forced widest of all in the straight, and he showed a good initial change of gear before his match fitness told in the closing stages. The run is forgivable, but I would not be rushing to back him for the King George and it will be a big ask for him to be as good as he once was.
Maddy Playle

A performance he can build on

It was a perfectly respectable return to action for last year's Derby hero who survived a significant blunder stumbling out of the stalls. That undoubtedly cost James Doyle a handier position, although it was not a race-ending mistake, but there are plenty of positives to take out of the run. Only four and three-quarter lengths behind the winner, the son of New Approach clearly needed the outing and it would not be a surprise to see him build on this on his next start.
Kitty Trice