YORK 15:30 1j3i37

Non Runners: FINAL VENTURE.

Time: 1m 12.74s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.8s (98.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 101.1%

A renewal of the Duke of York Stakes in which the favourite was amiss and the testing ground proved an important factor, the fitness shortcomings of a few who were reappearing exposed, the second and fifth faring best of that bunch and shaping well; that said, Tasleet's effort shouldn't be underestimated, well up to standard for this race and catapulting him into the mix for the top sprints this summer.

TASLEET proved a revelation dropped back to 6f for the first time since his 2-y-o days, the application of cheekpieces and/or softer ground the most likely catalysts for this very smart display; dropped out, tanked along, weaved through rivals between 2f out and 1f out, led soon after and stayed on well; unexposed in this discipline and obviously worth his place in Group 1 company next time, but it's worth bearing in mind he had a fitness edge here and the likelihood is he'll face contrasting underfoot conditions when next seen, probably at Royal Ascot, so may struggle to confirm form with the likes of Magical Memory and The Tin Man.

MAGICAL MEMORY (IRE) was weak in the market attempting back-to-back successes in this contest, coming here off a 9-month absence this time around rather than impressive prep run, all of which puts an even better spin on this return, shaping as if he'll prove at least as good this campaign as he was in the first half of 2016; in touch, good headway around halfway, still on bridle approaching final 1f and upsides soon after, no match for winner final 1f, not subjected to a hard time; percentage call is that he'll reverse placings with the winner if the pair reoppose in the Diamond Jubilee, and he'll hold solid place claims in that contest.

COMICAS (USA) enjoyed a productive spell on dirt at the Dubai Carnival and, after 8 weeks off, did enough to suggest he'll match that decidedly smart form on turf, having no problems with by far the softest surface he's encountered and posting an encouraging display; close up, pushed along under 3f out, edged ahead soon after, headed final 1f, no extra, the outing perhaps just needed.

MOBSTA (IRE) after 7 weeks off, stepped up on reappearance with conditions coming in his favour, but still fell a fair way short of his smart best, and it could be that he's worth another try at 7f, flat to the boards at halfway on this occasion before making some late headway.

THE TIN MAN hit the ground running at 4 yrs, but these were difficult conditions for a return from 7 months off, especially as he had to shoulder a Group 1 penalty, and those elements took their toll by the end, The Tin Man doing as well as could be expected in the circumstances; mid-field, travelled well, good headway around 2f out and looked set to play a big part in the finish before running out of steam, not persevered with; should be right back to his best with this under his belt, and can again be expected to be a major player in all the top-end sprints this summer.

TUPI (IRE) after 7 weeks off, disappointed back up in grade, this a laboured effort all round; in rear, went with little fluency, switched towards near side and modest headway final 2f, never dangerous; patchy profile means he's not one for maximum faith, even when back in calmer waters.

GROWL shaped as if better for the run after 5 months off, offering far more than the distance beaten would suggest; mid-field, smooth headway around 2f out, shaken up soon after, still in the firing line 1f out before weakening; enjoyed a coming-of-age season in 2016 and can be expected to return to his smart best with this behind him.

SUEDOIS (FR) found the combination of an 8-month absence, testing ground and attacking ride too much, but not before shaping as if he's returned in good heart; close up, shaken up 2f out and still in contention 1f out, not knocked about as lack of fitness told; he developed into a top-level performer at 6f/7f last year and should again make his presence felt in such races this time around.

JUNGLE CAT (IRE) isn't really up to this level but struggled after 8 weeks off in any case, presumably undone by the testing ground; mid-field, went with little fluency, folded from 2f out.

NAMEITWHATYOULIKE was out of his pay grade and took too much out of himself trying to dominate a field of this calibre, headed under 3f out and dropping away.

BACCARAT (IRE) did well out in Dubai this winter but, back in Britain after 8 weeks off, ran no sort of race, even allowing this level is probably beyond him even when on song; dwelt, raced in mid-field, pushed along over 2f out, never a threat.

BRANDO came into this with leading claims, fine on soft ground and having shown all the ability to be intact on reappearance, but checked out tamely from 2f out, clearly amiss (reportedly bled from the nose); has the tools to make up into a top-level sprinter this year provided this proves to be just a blip.