DONCASTER 14:40

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 41.95s

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 103.3%

The final domestic 2-y-o Group 1 of the season and an up-to-standard renewal, the previously unbeaten pair having excuses and the places filled by ones who'd won major pattern races on their previous starts, the highly progressive Irish-trained pair having it to themselves from over 1f out and serving up a thrilling finish; 4 winners in the last 5 years have gone on to be successful at this level as 3-y-os, a trio of them in classics.

HOTAZHELL is improving all the time and followed up from the Beresford in similar fashion, displaying an excellent attitude to fend off the favourite who'd taken him off a true line, this a first win at the highest level for the yard since the Irish Oaks in 2022; in touch, driven 2f out, upsides soon after, carried right approaching last ½f, battled extremely well to edge ahead final 50 yds; he's not bred to get much further but is likely to stay 1¼m, the Guineas likely to be his classic target over the Derby, though it's possible a few will have progressed past him by next spring.

DELACROIX (IRE) strongly backed into favouritism, like the winner is most progressive, coming out on the wrong side of a tight finish this time but giving his all and pulling clear of his main market rival; bumped start, pressed leader, led when edged right under 2f out, lugged further right approaching last ½f, edged out final 50 yds but stuck to task; bears repeating that he'll be suited by middle distances and is very much one to keep on the right side next season, likely to be hard to beat in one of the early Derby trials back on home soil, something like the Ballysax an ideal starting point.

WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE whose stable is going well, looked to have a leading chance following his Royal Lodge success and shaped as if still in good form, sticking at it after losing his pitch at a crucial stage faced with even softer ground; close up, took keen hold, lost place 2f out, plugged on; versatile regards ground and sure to stay beyond 1m, he's bred to make an even better 3-y-o and remains with potential.

SEAPLANE in first-time tongue strap, settled better and acquitted himself well pitched into a Group 1 and upped in trip; bumped start, led until under 2f out, no extra final 1f; seems to be maturing with each run (family progress with age) and will be suited by at least 1¼m.

ANNO DOMINI on much softer ground than previously, lost his unbeaten record but wasn't seen to best effect after 4 months off, asked to make ground from much further back than those in the frame, on a day where it generally proved hard to get involved from such positions; steadied at the start, in rear, brief headway under 2f out, switched 1f out, no further impression, not knocked about; should stay this far and remains open to improvement.

DETAIN (IRE) who'd looked an excellent prospect when winning his first 2 starts on all-weather, was very weak in the betting and possibly unsuited by conditions; raced off the pace, ridden under 3f out, never involved; should stay at least 1m and seems sure to do better granted less extreme ground.

NEBRAS was found out in better company, this coming all too soon in the infancy of his career; dived right leaving stalls, always behind.

ROYAL PLAYWRIGHT seemed unable to handle conditions; mid-field, progress 3f out, beaten under 2f out (not persevered with); both his pedigree and physique suggest that he remains capable of better next season.