ASCOT 15:10

Non Runners: VENT DE FORCE. Race Distance Adjustment: +18 yds

Time: 3m 30.23s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.1s (111.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 99.9%

An unsatisfactory contest, a handy position seeming a big advantage in a race run at a steady pace, half the field just not close enough to land a blow when the tempo picked up, as such probably not form to go overboard about, for all that the winner progressed really well last year.

SWEET SELECTION had had an excellent campaign in 2016, ending with a win off a favourable mark in the Cesarewitch, and, after 7 months off, proved better than ever, clearly set to be a leading contender in the top staying races this time round, for all that she was ideally positioned as this unfolded (not hard to imagine a similar scenario in the Gold Cup itself); tracked pace, shaken up over 3f out, stayed on to lead 1f out, kept on well.

PRINCE OF ARRAN back on turf and up in grade, progressed again, clearly a smart stayer, for all that he was better positioned than most and was one of only 2 with a run this year; handy, travelled well, shaken up over 2f out, chased leader well inside final 1f, kept on.

NEARLY CAUGHT (IRE) ran creditably after 7 months off, though he very much had the run of the race and had no answer to his stable companion late on; dictated, kicked on 3f out, headed 1f out, kept on.

MALEFICENT QUEEN upped in trip, ran respectably, not ideally placed and well worth another try around 2m; waited with, effort entering straight, not quicken, no extra inside final 1f.

PALLASATOR who sweated up beforehand, was below form after 6 months off, not well served by the run of the race; waited with, effort straight, hung right, not quicken; he's still likely to be a contender in the top staying races this summer, runner-up in the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale in 2016.

BATTERSEA upped in trip, after 8 months off, wasn't seen to best advantage, having no chance from his position as the pace picked up, still running respectably and clearly worth another try at 2m+; soon steadied, still plenty to do approaching straight, effort over 2f out, kept on, made no impression.

HARBOUR LAW needed the run after 8 months off, though this wasn't run to show him to advantage anyway, a strong pace in the St Leger bringing out the best in him; waited with, effort 3f out, not quicken, bumped 2f out, weakened; his next run should give a better idea of his prospects this summer.