NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 13:50 382v51

All 5 ran.

Time: 1m 37.18s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.85s (107.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 107%, Betfair SP 100.5%

A race rescued from the abandoned Sandown card last week; it looked a good opportunity for Native Trail to get back on track after a flop on his final start last year, but he was below form in a race that played much more to the winner's strengths than his, the winner's performance perhaps not quite so good as it looks on paper.

MUTASAABEQ again blinkered, gained a second Group 2 success over this C&D, seemingly improved under a penalty for his win in the Joel Stakes, though as then dictating and very much having the run of things, the Lockinge and Queen Anne likely to be much sterner tests of just how good he is (has hardly ever run in a truly-run race); led, travelled well, quickened 2f out, looked in control soon after, pushed out.

NATIVE TRAIL after 9 months off and given a breathing operation since his lacklustre effort in the International, stood out on form but looked as if he would come on for the run and wasn't at his best in a race that didn't play to his strengths; tracked pace, shaken up 3f out, not quicken over 2f out, plugged on final 1f; he shouldn't be written off, no surprise to see him back much closer to form in a well-run Queen Anne, potentially his next outing, no surprise either if he's tried in headgear at some point.

LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR) back with his former trainer for the time being (likely to return to Australia later in the year), shaped as if retaining all his ability after 6 months off, hardly seen to advantage the way the race was run, entered in the Lockinge and with place prospects in that on his best form; held up, shaken up over 2f out, not quicken, kept on inside final 1f.

CHECKANDCHALLENGE wasn't disgraced after 7 months off, though unable to land a blow from a poor position; in rear, shaken up 3f out, not quicken.

IMPERIAL FIGHTER (IRE) ran a fair bit better than at Doncaster, but he again failed to beat a rival and was still below form; close up, shaken up over 2f out, left behind soon after.