ASCOT 15:45

All 7 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +16 yds

Time: 3m 34.07s

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 101.7%

There are some concerns about the strength of this form, with Harris Tweed running as if he was either much less fit than he looked or was amiss and Simenon never in contention, but it is still hard not to be impressed by the manner of Tac de Boitron's victory, clearly just coming to himself at the age of 7, producing a performance up there with some of the best staying displays in Britain in recent years, likely to be a standout on form if he takes his chance in the Gold Cup, the main concern his apparent need for going a fair bit softer than good.

TAC DE BOISTRON (FR) had done well in a light campaign last year, landing a Group 1 prize in France in the autumn, and he showed significant further improvement under a 7-lb penalty after 6 months off, producing one of the best staying performances in Britain in recent years; held up, tanked along, good headway early in straight, led over 1f out, in command soon after, won easily; will likely set the standard in the Gold Cup and is already proven at the trip, with the main concern for connections being the ground, his form on soft/good to soft going and no certainty he would take his chance on a quicker surface.

EARTH AMBER ran best race, taking advantage of some of her rivals running below par but still doing really well herself; chased leader, led briefly 2f out, kept on final 1f, no match for winner; clearly effective at 2m and presumably may take her chance in the Chester Cup next week, the handicapper having no time to react to this improved performance, but hostage to the draw and with stamina to prove over further still.

ORIENTAL FOX (GER) had some smart form in handicaps last year and ran creditably up in grade after 7 months off; waited with, effort straight, edged ahead after 2f out, headed over 1f out, no match for winner; entered in the Gold Cup, the longer trip likely to be all in his favour, even if more will be needed to make an impact.

MISSUNITED (IRE) wasn't disgraced, taking a step forward from her reappearance, though not matching her third behind the winner last autumn; chased leaders, shaken up straight, one paced.

COCKTAIL QUEEN (IRE) wasn't disgraced over 4f longer trip, essentially not good enough, rather than obviously beaten by stamina; held up, effort 3f out, made no impression.

SIMENON (IRE) easy to back, was probably in need of a confidence booster after some below-par efforts globetrotting since the Melbourne Cup, best not judged on this run; dropped out, pushed along briefly home turn, not given at all a hard time, never on terms; his record at the Royal meeting is such that he's certainly not one to dismiss from consideration from the Gold Cup, though it would be no surprise were a second attempt at the Melbourne Cup the ultimate aim.

HARRIS TWEED was just about the pick at the weights and looked in good shape beforehand, but he ran poorly after 6 months off, either much less fit than he looked or amiss, his weak finishing effort - in marked contrast to his usual style - suggesting the latter; led, headed over 2f out, folded tamely, eased off final 1f.