YORK 15:15 246x6i

All 8 ran.

Time: 57.38s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.5s (99.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 100.5%

Not the race it promised to be, no 2-year-old representation - the Norfolk runner-up Golden Pal had been considered for the race up until quite late - and the 2 improving 3-year-olds couldn't get into it at all, the race a pure test of speed with the wind behind them, Battaash having to work a bit harder than might have been expected to see off a very quick filly who clearly improved however conservative the view taken of the form.

BATTAASH (IRE) seems a more mature horse this year, seemingly unfazed by anything prior to each of his 3 starts and more controlled in his races too, gaining consistency as a result but perhaps losing a touch of his brilliance as a trade-off for that, though the lack of depth in the division is also clearly a factor in him not being at his very best in 2020, the 3-y-os who might have pressed him into another 130+ performance not able to do so at all; as it was, he had to work slightly harder than expected to see off Que Amoro, that one soon a couple of lengths up and still in front when Battaash made his effort 2f out, edging right before he led around 1f out, going further to his right but asserting in the last ½f; he's due to have just one more start this year as he bids for his first unbeaten season.

QUE AMORO (IRE) excelled herself, making the most of the trailing wind as she really put it up to Battaash and she's clearly a very fast filly who is getting better; soon a couple of lengths clear racing more towards the stand side than the winner, tackled over 1f out, headed soon after but ran on and only fully seen off in the final 100 yds.

MOSS GILL (IRE) took advantage of others running below par to make the places in a Group 1, not needing to improve his rating to do so, and he might have finished a bit closer had he not started his run from so far back, a strong tailwind placing the emphasis firmly on speed; patiently ridden, headway under 2f out, kept on but no match for first 2.

A'ALI (IRE) is better judged on previous form, such a test of speed hardly seeming to suit, also left a touch marooned in the centre once Battaash drifted over, and he ought to make more impact at this level another day, though it will undoubtedly require improvement if he's to win one; held up, progress under 2f out, edged right inside final 1f, kept on, never landed a blow.

KURIOUS wasn't disgraced, running better than in the King's Stand 9 weeks earlier, but will continue to make little appeal in the face of such bold campaigning; held up, pushed along soon after halfway, plugged on final 1f.

ART POWER (IRE) arrived rapidly on the up and was sent off a shorter price against Battaash than any horse since Ten Sovereigns was made favourite in this race last year, but fluffed his lines on his biggest day, such a sheer test of speed not looking his thing; not well into stride and off the pace, never travelling well (reminders soon after halfway), left behind under 2f out; his form has a strong look to it and hopefully this will prove just a bump in the road, while the Sprint Cup at Haydock ought to suit much better.

ORNATE tends to save his best for Goodwood these days and failed to repeat his effort behind Battaash in the King George, almost certainly flattered by his rating from that elsewhere; in touch, ridden 2f out, not quicken.

EMARAATY ANA in first-time cheekpieces, isn't up to this level; missed the break, raced off the pace on far flank, brief headway around 2f out, not sustain effort at all and ended up well beaten.