ASCOT 16:25 6i4d1q

Non Runners: TAWHID.

Time: 1m 12.4s

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 100.3%

Over the last 10 years or so this has been the Group 1 at Royal Ascot that has attracted the biggest international challenge, sprinters regularly coming over from such as Australia, Hong Kong and the US, but this time around there was none of that, the French-trained American Devil the only one in the field from outside Britain and Ireland, whilst the home challenge itself was made up of a different crop to last year, Lethal Force and Society Rock, who were first and second 12 months ago, both having been retired to stud; nevertheless, it could prove to be a strong renewal, the winner having done little but improve since a mid-field finish here in 2013, and so many of the next wave of finishers are unexposed sprinters; they spread across the track, with five of them more towards the centre and the rest far side, the bigger group, led by Astaire, setting a strong gallop, ultimately helping those coming from further back, and Slade Power did extremely well considering he pressed the pace from the outset.

SLADE POWER (IRE) has really come of age since seventh in this corresponding event last year, successful 5 times in 9 subsequent starts, winning his first Group 1 here and confirming impressions from last month's reappearance that he's better than ever now, putting up one of the best performances from a sprinter in Europe in recent years, especially when giving him the extra credit he deserves; racing towards the far side, he was always close to a strong pace, travelling strongly, and after hitting the front over 1f out he always seemed in control, edging left late on and ridden out as some from much further back closed in (the pair he raced at the head of affairs both tired); he was placed in the July Cup and Sprint Cup in 2013 and will have a big chance in both of those races over the next few months.

DUE DILIGENCE (USA) who was fitted with a tongue strap, has quickly developed into a very smart sprinter, improving further to prove himself on the biggest stage after a couple of impressive wins in Ireland, rated slightly closer to Slade Power as was within a length when impeded by him close home; he led the smaller group that raced down the centre but was only in mid-division overall, ridden over 2f out and staying on strongly until hampered late on (also carried right by Music Master, but that didn't seem to make a difference), seeming suited by the strong pace; this was only the sixth start of his life and he may do better still.

ALJAMAAHEER (IRE) has had no trouble reverting to sprinting, shaping best in the Abernant and running well back in Group 1 company after 9 weeks off, first-time blinkers not seeming to have much impact either way in truth, again given lot to do, maybe a bit too much again, acknowledging that it was a strongly-run affair; dropped out far side, headway 2f out, finished well, never nearer; he'll be competitive again kept to top 6f races but looks tailor made for such as the Maurice de Gheest and Foret in , which provide Group 1 opportunities over slightly further without tackling the leading sprinters or milers.

MUSIC MASTER produced a career-best effort to hit the frame up in grade and shaped well to boot, travelling smoothly held up down the centre of the track, making good headway over 2f out, quickening smartly to those he raced with only to hang right across to the main pack as he found himself rather isolated, costing himself some ground and one paced well inside final 1f; still lightly raced and remains with potential, 5f worth exploring at some point given how comfortable he is over this trip.

AMERICAN DEVIL (FR) arrived in top form, 2 from 2 for the season, and ran creditably without being quite up to Group 1 company; raced off the pace down the centre, ridden over 2f out, stuck to task but never a threat; likely to continue in form.

ASTAIRE (IRE) has more to find if he's to establish himself at Group 1 level this year but shaped as if still in good form, paying the price for going too hard as he led a high-class field at a strong pace, fading after headed by Slade Power over 1f out.

JACK DEXTER wasn't disgraced, finishing mid-division again just 4 days after the King's Stand, but he's yet to fire this season like he was last autumn; slowly into stride, raced centre, ridden halfway, plugged on, never landed a blow; all of his winning has been done on softer ground and he'd probably make a bigger impact in a Group 1 run in the mud.

GORDON LORD BYRON (IRE) thrived earlier in the year but has been below form the last twice, back in Britain after a 6-week break, albeit a little better than the distance beaten given that he pressed the strong pace towards the far side.

TROPICS (USA) has had a disappointing season up to now but at least hinted at a revival in face of a stiff task here, rather isolated towards the centre of the track as he made an effort from mid-field over 2f out, flattening out but not given a hard time; could be ready to make a bigger impact if dropped back to listed/minor pattern company.

DARWIN (USA) in first-time tongue strap, again ran below form and has made a disappointing start to the season; raced far side, mid-division, hung right, dropped away after 2f out, looked awkward; something to prove now.

ES QUE LOVE (IRE) isn't up to the task in Group 1 company and was well held just 4 days after running in the King's Stand; raced far side, held up, driven over 1f out, never on .

MONTIRIDGE (IRE) is operating below best at present; slowly into stride, raced far side, in touch, pushed along over 2f out, held when short of room over 1f out, no extra.

MEDICEAN MAN possibly found race coming too soon after a big run in the King's Stand 4 days earlier; raced far side off the pace, effort over 2f out, never a threat.

HAWKEYETHENOO (IRE) increasingly looks one to oppose; slowly into stride, raced far side, always behind.