NEWBURY 15:45

Non Runners: TULLIUS (IRE), TRADE STORM.

Time: 1m 38.09s

Overrounds: Industry SP 127%, Betfair SP 103%

A massive increase in prize money certainly had a positive impact on numbers, with 18 originally declared, the largest field in the race's history, though 2 were withdrawn on the day, though it was more about quantity than quality, with bona fide Group 1 performers in short supply; that said, the winner and fourth had won at that level and the runner-up and third had promised to be competitive at it at times at three, so the form among the principals passes muster at least, even if the winning performance is below recent standard for the race.

NIGHT OF THUNDER (IRE) had won the Guineas and been runner-up in the St James's Palace and Queen Elizabeth II at 3 yrs, so set the standard here and didn't have to better it to add a second Group 1 win to his record; in touch, travelled well, headway over 2f out, led after 2f out, kept on final 1f, ridden out; clearly the leading British contender amongst the older brigade for top miling honours, with the Queen Anne next up, though will face a tougher task there against a strong overseas challenge, whilst the 3-y-os are waiting in the wings for later in the campaign.

TOORMORE (IRE) had taken a big step forward on his final start last year, when third to Charm Spirit and Night of Thunder at Ascot, and he fully confirmed that form after 7 months off; close up, led 3f out, headed after 2f out, kept on well final 50 yds; likely to continue to give good account, though may need to drop to Group 2 or 3 to win races.

AROD (IRE) had been too excitable to deliver fully on his potential previously, but showed much improved form, with a well-run race back at 1m looking ideal for him; prominent, challenged 2f out, kept on, not quicken inside final 1f; won't always meet such a large field at this level, and his keenness may yet be his undoing in more tactical races.

INTEGRAL shaped well after 7 months off, set for another good season, likely to have leading claims in the top fillies races through the summer, starting with the Duke of Cambridge (also entered in the Queen Anne); chased leader, ridden 2f out, kept on, not quicken inside final 1f.

CABLE BAY (IRE) placed in lesser pattern company previously, seemed to excel himself, though was strong at the finish and possibly flattered to a degree, the way the race developed; held up, travelled well, headway 2f out, kept on well inside final 1f, nearest at the finish.

HERE COMES WHEN (IRE) who sweated up beforehand, ran creditably, up in grade, just not good enough; held up, not settle fully, headway over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out; he's a very smart miler and is likely to be placed to advantage at a lesser level.

BRETON ROCK (IRE) ran creditably after 7 months off, not really up to this grade, but suggesting he retains all his ability; held up, effort over 2f out, no impression initially, late headway.

ALJAMAAHEER (IRE) again without headgear, back up in trip, ran respectably in better company than last time, though looked typically frustrating, not really applying himself until it was too late; dropped out, ran in snatches, late headway; needs headgear back on, but one to treat with caution anyway.

CUSTOM CUT (IRE) failed to meet expectations, probably not benefiting from a more patient ride; in touch, shaken up over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out.

HORS DE COMBAT ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, though it was hard work for him from an early stage; raced off the pace, soon off bridle, made no impression.

COUGAR MOUNTAIN (IRE) wasn't disgraced, kept to 1m, just not up to the task; waited with, ridden over 2f out, not clear run soon after, made no impression.

CAPTAIN CAT (IRE) was below form after 9 weeks off, unlikely to be good enough but not impressing with his attitude all the same; waited with, travelled well, effort 2f out, hung left, no extra; temperament under suspicion.

TOP NOTCH TONTO (IRE) ran respectably on recent form, just not competitive at this level these days; chased leaders, labouring over 2f out.

MASTER CARPENTER (IRE) after 8 months off, was flying too high in this grade; in rear, ridden 3f out, short of room soon after, made no impression; thoroughly likeable but distinctly limited at this level.

MOOHAARIB (IRE) disappointed, for all that this was a big step up in class, again travelling strongly but unable to produce anything off the bridle; held up, travelled well, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, found little.

YUFTEN was well held after 9 months off, ridden much too aggresively to have any chance of lasting home; led until 3f out, weakened quickly 2f out, eased final 1f; was highly tried at 3 yrs and may well be so again, though has untapped potential, if it can be properly directed.