ASCOT 16:00

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 8.42s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.75s (102.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 96.8%

The splendidly tough and genuine Magical gained a third Group 1 success of the year, no knocking her, though the race overall wanted for quality, this looking the weakest renewal overall since the race moved to Ascot to be the centrepiece of Champions day in 2011, the male representation looking particularly weak, the pace rather favouring those ridden handily, the third the only one of those held up to make much of an impact.

MAGICAL (IRE) made the most of a good opportunity, no Enable in the field, and didn't need to improve to gain her third Group 1 of the campaign, well positioned and always in control after she went to the front; tracked pace, travelled well, shaken up and led 2f out, kept on well final 1f, pushed out; she's likely to go for the Fillies & Mares at the Breeders' Cup, second to Enable in the Turf last year.

ADDEYBB (IRE) after 10 weeks off, was up in grade and ran up to his best, no discredit in just coming up short against such a tough and genuine filly; in touch, took keen hold, pushed along entering straight, challenged over 1f out, kept on well.

DEIRDRE (JPN) ran creditably, perhaps further back than ideal the way the race unfolded and likely to have been helped by a stronger pace too, but, unlike last time, no grounds for thinking she might have beaten the winner on this occasion; held up, travelled well, headway home turn, shaken up 2f out, not quicken, kept on well inside final 1f, took third final strides.

FOX TAL seemed to excel himself, up in grade and on softer ground than previously, though he was ideally positioned as the race went and surely seen to maximum advantage; handy, not settle fully, effort when short of room 2f out, not quicken inside final 1f.

MEHDAAYIH wasted no time getting back to form, doing well given the run of the race, back to being patiently ridden after making the running the last twice; held up, took keen hold, had to wait for gap over 2f out, kept on well approaching final 1f, not quicken final 100 yds, never on terms.

CORONET had made a race of it with Magical in the Fillies & Mares in 2018, but wasn't in the same form this time round, never really looking comfortable and seemingly not herself; held up, raced bit awkwardly, effort over 3f out, no extra early in straight, not persevered with once held.

I CAN FLY back up in trip, had plenty on in this company, but again ran below form; slowly into stride, held up, shaken up straight, made no impression.

REGAL REALITY was below form after 8 weeks off, a change of tactics not working; led, shaken up straight, headed 2f out, weakened quickly.

PONDUS was well held, facing a stiff task in this grade; held up, not settle fully, effort out wide entering straight, left behind 2f out.