ASCOT 15:35

Non Runners: ANTHONY VAN DYCK (IRE).

Time: 2m 28.92s Closing Sectional: (3f): 38.85s (96.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 105%, Betfair SP 100.1%

An historic running of this middle-distance championship, Enable the first to win the race for a third time since it was inaugurated in 1951, only Dahlia and Swain having also won twice, though just 2 opposed her, after Anthony Van Dyck was withdrawn, leaving the smallest field to go to post in 70 runnings, the lack of runners a concern - a great shame Ghaiyyath wasn't again in opposition - though it should be remembered that the 2019 renewal was the best since 2001 and as strong a race over middle distances run last summer, the small field this time perhaps just one of those things in such a strange summer, though prize money of less than a third of last year's and only a tenth of last year's Arc first prize, clearly won't sustain the race's standing in the longer term; Sovereign went off in a clear lead, the other pair biding their time, the leader going faster than ideal but ignored, the winner's performance nothing she hasn't produced before.

ENABLE gained a third victory in this great race, an historic achievement undoubtedly, though she faced much weaker opposition than when successful in 2017 or 2019, her performance very much one of style over substance, her chance at York and in the Arc, likely to be her next 2 appearances, best judged on form with more substance; steadied at the start, patiently ridden, travelled well, rapid headway early in straight, led over 1f out, quickened clear, impressive.

SOVEREIGN (IRE) back up in grade, was no match for the winner and his stable companion wasn't himself, so his effort is hard to weigh up, probably running close to his best, allowed a long lead but going faster than ideal; raced clear, ridden approaching straight, carried head bit awkwardly, headed over 1f out, left behind by winner, one paced.

JAPAN had shown enough at Sandown to suggest he had a chance of turning the tables on Enable back at this trip, but he just didn't turn up under a rather negative ride, unable to get past his stable companion and eased right off having been 3 lengths or so behind Sovereign 1f out; patiently ridden, shaken up 3f out, not quicken straight, eased final 1f; he's best judged on other form.