An up-to-scratch running of the world’s oldest Classic, first run in 1776, for all that it lacked a leading filly (Warm Heart and Savethelastdance spoken of as possibilities until quite late on) or some of the best 3-y-o colts at shorter distances, and it should prove reliable form, a solid gallop from an early stage enabling the cream to rise to the top (winner’s final 3f of 38.07s gives a close-to-par 101.4% finishing speed). Continuous’ provisional 118 rating is behind Hurricane Lane’s 120 in 2021 but on a par with, or better than, the other recent winners.
CONTINUOUS (118 here and previously) came into this with just about the best form, courtesy of his Great Voltigeur win, and dispelled doubts about his stamina for this longer trip in a race run at quite a demanding gallop and on good to soft going, clearly best. He was held up mid to rear and some way back turning in before making good headway on the inner, switched and leading over 2f out, soon 2 to 3 lengths to the good and maintaining that kept up to his work quite vigorously. He should be every bit as good back around 12f given a good pace, though this form is still a bit inferior to that of King of Steel (who beat him pretty easily at Royal Ascot) and Auguste Rodin, as well as a few others who may head for the Arc.
ARREST (114 here and previously) ran well, perhaps not quite the horse he looked like being after his easy Chester Vase win but a decidedly smart performer all the same. He took a while to settle in mid-field but moved up 3f out and was briefly on the quarters of the winner, unable to go with him but staying on to the line. He should stay 2 miles, with give in the ground seemingly ideal for him.
DESERT HERO (113 here, 110 previously) faced his stiffest task yet and acquitted himself well, mid to rear before picking his way through traffic around 3f out, staying on for pressure without getting in a blow and fastest of all in the final 1f. He should stay 2 miles, and possibly be suited by that trip.
TOWER OF LONDON (112 here, 110 previously) ran his best race despite 14.5f on good to soft going in a race run at a good gallop seemingly taxing his stamina late on. He was steadied leaving his stall and held up in rear travelling comfortably, making steady headway to dispute second over 1f out then one paced late on.
GREGORY (110 here, 113 previously) was not discredited but finished a bit further behind Continuous than at York despite meeting that one at level weights this time and the race panning out better, so there may be substance in the idea that a soft surface was not ideal. He raced close up, disputed the lead mid-race and led outright briefly 3f out, outpaced thereafter and not really seeing his race out all that well either for one already with form at this sort of trip. He is still lightly raced and could do better still next year.
CHESSPIECE (97 here, 110 previously) was unplaced for the first time and not at his best for whatever reason, though not necessarily good enough to get placed in any case, racing prominently until outpaced from 3f out.
MIDDLE EARTH (94 here, 101+ previously) found this a bit much at this stage but remains with potential for next year, held up and only briefly making some headway up the rail, not knocked about when held.
DENMARK (93 here, 103 previously) was on pacemaking duties, which he performed well until 3f out, switched off the rail as his stable-companion and winner came through there shortly after.
ALEXANDROUPOLIS (77 here, 98 previously) was outclassed, prominent mid-race but left behind in the final 3f.
