NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 15:35

Non Runners: CONFIDING, PRINCE EIJI.

Time: 1m 37.89s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.2s (101.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.5%

Five of the 8 were unbeaten, though this was a slightly unusual renewal of the principal Guineas trial, the majority stepping up significantly from novice or maiden company, only the favourite having contested a top 2-y-o race, winning the Lagardere, that form well up to scratch for this race but most of the rest with loads to find for an average renewal, that assessment as average perhaps on the high side of a race that proved messy and rather unsatisfactory, the runners getting in one another's way, the second and fourth both denied a clear run.

SKARDU after 7 months off over 1f longer trip, looked a good prospect in winning this on just his second start, an unconsidered winner of his maiden, but very much supported against the market leaders this time, having a clear passage but confidently ridden and impressing with the way in which he improved from the rear; soon steadied, travelled well, switched outside over 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, quickened to lead inside final 1f, kept on, always holding on; he needs to improve somewhere in region of 10 lb to play a leading role in the Guineas itself, but he is sure to progress again and at least ought to go into the race with no question marks against him.

MOMKIN (IRE) after 8 months off over 1f longer trip, showed much improved form, not getting so smooth a run as the winner and arguably a shade unlucky, though the winner has much more potential to progress further; in touch, took keen hold, shaken up 2f out, met some trouble soon after, kept on inside final 1f; he seemingly failed to handle soft ground on his final start last year and is likely to be kept away from such a surface this time round.

SET PIECE making turf debut, progressed again after 3 months off, up in grade, having a clearer run than the pair either side of him, but not fully at ease on the track; held up, effort 2f out, edged right, led briefly 1f out, not quicken final 100 yds; he has plenty about him physically and looks the sort to go on again, worth a try over 7f as well.

ROYAL MARINE (IRE) after 3 months off since his flop on dirt, stood out on form (a case of opportunity) and got back on track to a large extent, shaping better than the bare result in a race where things just never fell right for him, even if the trouble was partly a result of his keenness (reportedly set to wear a hood in the Guineas); waited with, not settle fully, soon in a pocket on the rails, not clear run 2f out, switched, kept on inside final 1f, not unduly punished, never on terms.

ZAKOUSKI after 5 months off over 1f longer trip, failed to progress from debut in this higher grade, his debut form having been let down since; prominent, ridden over 2f out, every chance 1f out, weakened; ot's still early days with him.

WATAN more exposed than the rest, having come up short in a couple of Group 3s at 2 yrs, wasn't disgraced after 6 months off, having the run of the race; led, shaken up over 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened final 100 yds; bred to stay 1m and likely to prove fully effective at the trip another day.

GLOBAL SPECTRUM was well held, found out in better company and losing his unbeaten record; held up, not settle fully, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out.

JACKSTAR (IRE) up in grade, went backwards from reappearance, possibly stretched by the 1f longer trip as well as not being up to the task; prominent, not settle fully, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out.