ASCOT 16:20 4n2t2w

All 6 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +14 yds

Time: 2m 5.95s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.7s (102.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 98.9%

A strong renewal on paper, the field containing 4 bona-fide Group 1 performers who were closely matched on their best form and promised one of the highlights of the week, a mouthwatering clash in anticipation, though that failed to materialise, the quartet upstaged by one that hadn't previously looked quite up to this level; the winner clearly deserves credit for an improved effort, given he travelled best and found much the best turn of foot, finally showing the sort of form that he'd promised at the start of last season, though quite why the presumed principals put up such little opposition in the straight, all off the back of encouraging runs, is hard to fathom.

MOSTAHDAF (IRE) produced a career best, this effort a long time coming after he'd looked a potential top-notcher in the spring of last year, quite a few of his runs since over further/on softer ground or not off a break (off 3 months before this and enhancing his good record fresh) and easy enough to explain in hindsight, his win in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year arguably also better than it looked at the time; held up, tanked along, smooth headway early in straight, quickened to lead over 1f out, went clear soon after, ridden final 1f, ran on; he'll presumably skip the Eclipse, the run likely to come too soon on his record, the International or the Irish Champion the more obvious next options, a danger to all in either of those on this showing.

LUXEMBOURG (IRE) ran respectably, again dictating but unable to find any answer to the winner's turn of foot in the straight, like the third set to return to further, well worth a try in the King George, facing a likely rematch with Adayar; led, shaken up straight, headed over 1f out, not quicken.

ADAYAR (IRE) ran respectably, though his limitations at the trip under these conditions were shown up, a return here for the King George next month in a bid to repeat his 2021 win the right path to take; tracked pace, took keen hold, shaken up straight, edged right, not quicken over 1f out; will benefit from return to 1½m.

MY PROSPERO (IRE) back up in trip, failed to progress as anticipated for that with a run under his belt, sweating up beforehand and lacking a turn of foot in the straight; in touch, pushed along 3f out, not quicken straight; he's entered in the King George, which suggests connections will look to explore even further with him later in the campaign, though not certain to stay on pedigree.

BAY BRIDGE was below form, once again his early keenness not helping his cause, that a factor in all 3 starts this year, so far not having the sort of season that might have been anticipated after his win in the Champion Stakes here last autumn, possibly needing a return to soft ground to be seen to best advantage; steadied at the start, not settle fully, effort 2f out, one paced.

CLASSIC CAUSEWAY (USA) was a Grade 1 winner in the US last year, but he looked to have a fair bit to find in this company and he couldn't hold his position in the straight; close up, shaken up entering straight, weakened 2f out.