EPSOM DOWNS 16:30

All 12 ran.

Time: 2m 32.32s Closing Sectional: (3.5f): 39.19s (112.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 122%, Betfair SP 100.9%

The supreme test of a middle-distance 3-y-o attracted a representative field, with the first 3 from the Dante, as well as the winners of trials at Chester, Lingfield, Goodwood and Leopardstown, the absence of a major player from the Guineas - Coolmore resisting any change of plan with Gleneagles - and a strong French challenger detracting somewhat from the quality of the race beforehand, as did the late withdrawal after a set-back of the ante-post second favourite Zawraq, but in the event an above-average winner emerged in the shape of the unbeaten Golden Horn, who has the potential to be the best winner of this race since Sea The Stars; the pair that led were ignored to some extent, but the overall pace was a sound one and there were no real hard-luck stories or excuses for beaten runners under the admittedly firmish conditions.

GOLDEN HORN supplemented for the race, maintained his unbeaten record with a performance right out of the top drawer on just his fourth start, showing at the highest level the turn of foot that characterised his earlier successes and over a 2f longer trip, his rider doing really well in the early stages to get him to settle after he'd been keen from the stalls; held up, keen early, travelled well, pushed along 3f out, quickened to lead over 1f out, kept on well, well on top finish; likely to drop back in trip, with the Eclipse his probable next target and a first encounter with the older generation, though a meeting at some point with Gleneagles would be potentially the clash of the summer - whoever he meets and whatever the trip, he will remain very hard to beat.

JACK HOBBS has come a long way in a short space of time and acquitted himself really well against an above-average Derby winner on just his fourth start, showing more than enough stamina to last the 2f longer trip thoroughly; waited with, travelled well, effort early in straight, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, edged left, not quicken, kept on well inside final 1f, no impression on winner; has twice been no match for Golden Horn but their paths are now likely to diverge, which should enable him to gain a win at this sort of level, with the Irish Derby or the King George suitable options for mid-summer.

STORM THE STARS (USA) continued his steady progress with a fine effort up in grade, just lacking the class of the first 2 when it came to the crunch, after being ideally positioned all the way through; tracked pace, effort early in straight, every chance 2f out, not quicken, stayed on final 1f; he may do better yet as his stamina is further tested and already looks a strong contender for the St Leger.

GIOVANNI CANALETTO (IRE) emerged as the number one candidate for the stable which had won the last 3 runnings of this race only early in the week and he did his best to extend the sequence, in first-time cheekpieces (his brother Ruler of The World had worn them when successful in the 2013 renewal), the best of his stable's trio, but no match for the principals and again not looking straightforward, for all that he saw the race out well once again; in touch, not quicken early in straight, kept on well final 1f, looked awkward; will stay beyond 1½m; he could well progress again as his stamina is further tested, likely to benefit from a return to a more conventional track too, while this was the quickest ground he'd encountered.

EPICURIS on firmer ground than previously, ran creditably over 2f longer trip, off 8 weeks, after missing an intended engagement in France after he refused to enter the stalls (running here in preference to the Jockey Club as rules in France do not allow for a stable handler to be with him at the start), racing at the head of the main group with the third and probably seen to optimum advantage, the difference between the pair that he didn't handle the track so well; tracked pace, effort early in straight, every chance 2f out, not quicken, carried head bit awkwardly; could yet have more to offer, provided his temperament doesn't get the better of him (looked a nervy sort in preliminaries).

KILIMANJARO (IRE) had a lot to find to be competitive in an average Derby and never looked likely to land a blow, back on firmer going, though he wasn't given much chance from the position he was in; in rear, pushed along 4f out, kept on well from 2f out, never on terms; may yet do better with his sights lowered.

HANS HOLBEIN back on firmer ground, was ridden to make the most of his proven stamina, but that only got him so far, and having gone off harder than ideal, he was put firmly in his place in the latter stages; helped force pace, edged ahead after 4f, ridden straight, headed 2f out, weakened soon after; he could yet have a decent future as a stayer, particularly back on softer ground.

CARBON DATING (IRE) was in another race he couldn't win and appeared to excel himself, though the form probably shouldn't be taken at face value, for all that he might have improved for the longer trip, just passing some beaten rivals late on; held up, labouring early in straight, stayed on under pressure final 1f.

ROGUE RUNNER (GER) upped in trip, in first-time hood, had a lot to find on his form in Germany (successful in 2 minor events and fifth in a Group 3) and ran about as well as could have been expected, on firmer ground than previously; held up, labouring halfway; he'd be about the least imposing of these on looks.

MOHEET (IRE) had made an encouraging return in the Guineas and ought to be suited by further than 1m, but his owner's retained rider had been let off to ride the favourite and he never looked likely to cause an upset, again very highly tried, not entirely disgraced in form terms; held up, always behind; may yet do better at a more realistic level.

ELM PARK no match for the first 2 in the Dante, was ridden initially to try and make the most of his stamina but just got so lit up that he pulled his chance away, his effort best excused, though it will take some work to get him back on track; broke well, refused to settle, led over 4f, weakened over 2f out, eased final 1f.

SUCCESS DAYS (IRE) had been going the right way on flat tracks and heavy ground, his wins all in fields of 5 or smaller, and found this a totally different test, one he couldn't cope with, even before concerns about his stamina came into play; mid-division, took keen hold, labouring approaching home turn.