Godolphin

7 ran 2m07.87  
Owner: Godolphin

A one-sided race in event, Kirklees scoring easily with his 2 main rivals on form below par, Confront particularly, though it's still a very smart effort, his less-seasoned stable companion in second also shaping well; the gallop was steady, quickening turning in. KIRKLEES (IRE) had excuses (surface and ground) for his 2 runs in Dubai following his impressive handicap success in February, and this return to Britain was equally striking, suggesting he can go on and hold his own at a higher level, though further progress will be needed if he's to make a serious impact in the Group 1's he's entered in, with stamina also likely to be a problem if aimed at the King George; well backed, he looked to do this within himself, going easily through the race and soon in control once sent on over 1f out, Dettori never having to get overly serious. COVERT AMBITION acquitted himself with credit upped in class, especially considering that 12f will probably suit him better (by Singspiel out of a Yorkshire Oaks winner), with the hold-up ride not ideal in that respect here, also having to pull wide for a run, the fact he got up for second very encouraging; it's all positive with him so far, and he'll continue to go the right way, having the potential to win races in this grade and beyond. TRANQUIL TIGER wasn't discredited, giving weight all round, though in hindsight he may have been better served by a more forceful ride, unable to get away as the pace quickened early in the straight and soon no match for Kirklees, also losing second. CONFRONT is bred and has shaped like he'll stay this far, so for now it's probably reasonable to conclude that something else was bothering him, making a forward move early in the straight but only briefly looking like even getting in a challenge for second; he perhaps doesn't take his racing too well. HALICARNASSUS (IRE) turned in another of his lesser efforts, underlining he's one to be against more often than not, though he could bounce back at any time, such is his nature. GUARINO (GER) is hard to weigh up, coming off a long absence (missed 2008) and trained in Germany previously, and this told us little, with him possibly having some sort of problem, dropped out and not knocked about at any stage as he lost touch. DEMOCRATE showed himself a smart performer for Andre Fabre last year, winning a Group 2 prior to flopping in the French Derby, and he's best not written off on the back of this, with fitness seemingly lacking after 13 months off, gradually losing touch with the principals through the final 2f; he's bred to stay 12f.