This was a well-run contest, resulting in a good overall time (0.77s quicker than the useful handicap which preceded it), and 3 of the first 4 came from a bit off the pace, the winner’s finishing speed % of 98.6 fractionally slower than par. It was not the strongest renewal, with a few of the better fancied runners failing to run their races, though the winner did show just about smart form. The ground was probably firm on straight course judged on times throughout the day.

AZURE BLUE (112 here, 100 previously) has been thriving of late but took a pretty big step forward to win this Group 2 having won at no higher than listed level previously, on merit on the day though still behind the penalised runner-up in the sprinting pecking order. She was steadied into mid-field, made an effort 2f out and ran on under pressure to lead well inside the final 1f. She has run almost entirely at 6f, and it is a trip that appears to suit her.

HIGHFIELD PRINCESS (115 here, 120 previously) had won this 12 months ago before going on to victory at Group 1 level at York and the Curragh, and looks like being every bit as good this year, undone by a combination of a penalty and lack of hard race fitness this time. She travelled strongly close up, led for sure well over 1f out but was under pressure in the final 1f and just run out of it. She won at 7f earlier in her career but is at least as effective at 5f as 6f.

COMMANCHE FALLS (109 here and previously) ran creditably again, just lacking a little at this level. He was soon pushed along towards the rear but made headway well over 1f out and stayed on, never nearer.

ANNAF (105 here, 108 previously) ran creditably without things panning out perfectly, rear and pushed along, briefly having to wait for a run as he came through and never nearer.

MARSHMAN (105 here, 113 previously) came here fit from a Group 3 win at 5.5f at Chantilly (tended to wander) and shaped better than the result in running a bit below form, fly jumping leaving his stall and losing a length or 2 but soon tracking the pace, going well as he went second briefly in the penultimate 1f but finding little late on. His best run was when second in the Gimcrack at this course and distance but he’s likely to prove at least as good at 5f, which he has yet to try.

DILIGENT HARRY (92 here, 108 previously) ran moderately switched back from AW, though close up until well over 1f out then weakening quickly.

THE ASTROLOGIST (88 here, ? previously) is classy back in Australia (rated 115 officially) and had been second in a Group 1 at Meydan in March but under-performed by quite some way, seeming ring-rusty, prominent but pushed along by halfway and fading for stronger pressure thereafter.

ART POWER (84 here, 117? previously) ended last season out of form, having taken a Group 3 at the Curragh impressively as late as September, and offered only limited encouragement, leading until well over 1f out and soon beaten.

EMARAATY ANA (0 here, 110 previously) has become a bit hit and miss and ran poorly after a break, making headway only briefly mid-race.

CREATIVE FORCE (0 here, 117 previously) sadly broke down with fatal consequences at an early stage.