EPSOM DOWNS 14:45

All 8 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +30 yds

Time: 2m 11.35s Closing Sectional: (3.45f): 38.65s (114.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.4%

John Gosden made it 4 wins in a row in this listed contest but this year's winner doesn't have the same potential as the last 2, So Mi Dar and Cracksman, who both progressed into Group 1 performers; it was a muddling affair in which Crossed Baton made the most of an easy lead and the next 2 home both appeal as better prospects.

CROSSED BATON is a fine, good-looking colt whose improving all the time, unbeaten since his debut, taking on a better class of opponent with each run and rising to the challenge, although it has to be said that this win owed plenty to an enterprising ride from Dettori so he may not prove the best of these; dictated, travelled well, tackled final 100 yds, all out to hold on; he's not crying out for another step up in trip at this stage.

MY LORD AND MASTER (IRE) beat his stablemate Young Rascal by an impressive 6 lengths on his latter 2-y-o start, form that was boosted recently, and he continued his own progress with an excellent effort up in grade and trip after 6 months off, going down narrowly to one that dictated and had the benefit of a recent run; never far away, shaken up 4f out, driven over 1f out, kept on well, just failed; he'll stay 1½m and remains open to improvement.

DEE EX BEE was strong in the betting after 6 months off and did well under the circumstances, deserving extra credit as he was disadvantaged by the run of the race, in mid-division and outpaced 3f out before finishing best of all; a step up to 1½m will suit and he remains capable of better with that in mind.

JAMES COOK (IRE) improved his rating from maidens last year and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests, in just about the worst position of all and unsuited by the way the race developed, also not yet looking the finished article; held up, headway out wide over 1f out, edged left and effort flattened out; he may not even be close to the best from Ballydoyle but still boasts a tremendous pedigree and remains open to improvement.

SIMPSON (IRE) ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade/trip, seeming stretched by the extra 1f in the end; mid-division, took strong hold, headway over 2f out, chased leaders briefly, no extra inside final 1f; he may prove best back at around 1m in a well-run race.

ZABRISKIE (IRE) didn't get home over over this longer trip, albeit after 6 months off, so it's also possible he wasn't fully tuned up; tracked pace, went with enthusiasm, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final 1f.

MILES CHRISTIANUS (IRE) (by The Carbon Unit: brother to winner up to 9f Sarah Joyce (2-y-o 8.4f winner) and useful 1½m-1¾m winner (stays 2m) The Tartan Spartan and half-brother to 1m/8.6f winner Dancing Cosmos (by Holy Roman Emperor): dam 2-y-o 6f winner who stayed 1¼m) faced a very stiff task on debut; slowly into stride, ran green, never on terms.

TECHNOLOGICAL faced a stiff task in this grade but seemed unsuited by the track too; chased leaders, weakened 2f out, eased off.