NEWBURY 15:35

Non Runners: TRIPLE TIME (IRE).

Time: 1m 36.09s Closing Sectional: (4f): 47.75s (100.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 103.4%

The last 2 winners of the Lockinge, Palace Pier and Baaeed, had been sent off at 4/9 and 1/2 respectively, established top milers making their return ahead of a dominant campaign, this renewal of the first older-horse Group 1 of the campaign in Britain an opportunity for something to stake a claim for that position, the market suggesting a very open contest; the outcome of a well-run race was a clear-cut winner, though not one that produced a performance at quite the level that would guarantee his dominance in the division; the finish was notable for the attempt, too close for comfort, of the runner-up to bite the winning jockey as the winner swept past.

MODERN GAMES (IRE) showed the benefit of a recent run and was right back to his best, the run of the race suiting him, establishing himself as the one to beat in the Queen Anne, even if his level of form isn't such as to make him an overwhelming favourite; held up, shaken up over 3f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead final 100 yds, went clear soon after.

CHINDIT (IRE) proved at least as good as ever, placed in this for the second year running, a good miler, but probably not good enough to win at this level, the Queen Anne, in which he finished fourth last year, likely to be up next; prominent, travelled well, led over 1f out, headed last ½f, tried to bite winner, not quicken.

BERKSHIRE SHADOW came into this in top form and excelled himself back up in grade, this the best of his efforts at Group 1 level by a fair way; in touch, shaken up over 3f out, not quicken, stayed on entering final 1f, took third near line; he's in the Queen Anne and the Jubilee (unlikely to be suited by dropping to 6f), but may need his sights lowering slightly if he's to gain a first pattern race win since his 2-y-o days.

MY PROSPERO (IRE) had improved significantly, up in trip, in the Champion Stakes on his final start at 3 yrs and shaped encouragingly after 7 months off, running at least as well as he has over 1m and promising much for a return to further; close up, pushed along over 3f out, outpaced 2f out, stayed on inside final 1f; a high-class performer who is still relatively low mileage, he can make the breakthrough at Group 1 level this season.

MUTASAABEQ ran respectably, up in grade against a larger field, just unable to control the race in quite the way he had the last twice at Newmarket and found wanting a little as a result; led, travelled well, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, not quicken, lost third late on.

LUSAIL (IRE) continues to run consistently, though creditable efforts in defeat are likely to be the story of his summer, at least if he's kept to this level; prominent, pushed along 3f out, not quicken over 1f out, no extra final 100 yds.

LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR) ran respectably, in a race run to suit him better than on his return, though he took time to find full stride and may well be worth a try over further now (entered in Prince of Wales's Stakes, as well as Queen Anne at Royal Ascot); held up, took keen hold, labouring 3f out, stayed on approaching final 1f, never on terms.

CHECKANDCHALLENGE ran respectably, coming on for his run at Newmarket, the run of the race serving him better; held up, ridden 3f out, not quicken inside final 1f.

THE WIZARD OF EYE (IRE) after just 7 days off, had a lot on in this company and seemed to run well, though never in contention; held up, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, carried head bit awkwardly, made no impression.

LAUREL taking on males for the first time, disappointed for the first time in her short career, racing apart from the principals but track position not really holding water as an excuse, given the following race; in touch, shaken up 3f out, chased leaders over 1f out, hung left, weakened; her overall profile is such that she should be given another chance.

JUMBY (IRE) hadn't convinced at 1m when tried over it as a 2-y-o, and it was a similar story here, even though he faced a stiff task in this company and might just not have been good enough; held up, not settle fully, effort 3f out, edged left, no extra final 1f, never a threat.

JADOOMI (FR) was below form after 7 months off, having his first start since finishing lame in the Queen Elizabeth II, more patiently ridden than usual and on firmer ground than previously; held up, ridden 3f out, not quicken, eased final 1f.