NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 15:00

Non Runners: THE LION IN WINTER (IRE).

Time: 1m 26.7s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.75s (103.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 99.6%

The withdrawal of the impressive Acomb Stakes winner The Lion In Winter due to a bruised foot looked to leave Shadow of Light with outstanding form claims in a substandard field for the premier 2-y-o race of the season, his form advantage over the others greater than the market suggested, and he didn't have to run to the level he showed in winning the Middle Park to become only the second horse since Diesis in 1982 to complete the Group 1 double - US Navy Flag was the other - his victory in a messy race one of determination as much as ability; although there were only the 5 runners, the field split into 2, the groups racing wide apart, Moore on Expanded leading Ancient Truth right over to the stand rail, the other 3 much more towards the far side, the advantage with the pair from halfway, the winner coming right back towards them as he closed, doing well to get up.

SHADOW OF LIGHT somewhat surprisingly supplemented for this, a sprinting campaign next year having been suggested after his win in the Middle Park, but he produced a performance in keeping with his pedigree, seeing out the extra 1f well, the withdrawal of The Lion In Winter leaving him with plenty in hand on form, not required to run to the level he had last time, but still plenty to like about a victory gained in adverse circumstances, racing wide apart from the other principals for much of the way; tracked pace, took keen hold, shaken up over 2f out, soon led group, drifted left to challenge leading pair over 1f out, stayed on to lead final 50 yds, proved game; his win at least removes any doubt about whether he'd be aimed at the Guineas, bred to stay at least 1m, and he's likely to have as good a chance as any on form.

EXPANDED (IRE) would presumably have been here for the experience had The Lion In Winter taken part, but proved a remarkably able understudy just a week after his debut, no sign of inexperience in his performance, a classic prospect in his own right and sure to stay 1m and more; prominent, soon came stand side with one other, led after 3f, shaken up over 2f out, headed soon after, every chance, kept on well, beaten only close home; exciting prospect.

ANCIENT TRUTH (IRE) strong in the market against his stable companion, hadn't been seen since his impressive victory in the Superlative, which had stamped him as one of the best 2-y-o colts in the first half of the campaign, and he emerged with plenty of credit after 3 months off, even though he lost his unbeaten record, going like the winner but possibly finding the lack of a recent outing telling under testing conditions (the ground much the softest he'd encountered); tracked pace, travelled well, soon came stand side with runner-up. led 2f out, shaken up soon after, kept on well but unable to shake off rival, headed final 50 yds, no extra; he's run well, given the circumstances and can progress again at 3 yrs.

SEAGULLS ELEVEN (IRE) had run to a useful level in being placed on both previous starts in pattern company, but that was form which left him plenty to find for an average Dewhurst, and he wasn't up to the task, below his best back on softer ground; led overall 3f, remained leading group until 2f out, weakened 1f out.

ROCK OF CASHEL (IRE) had been found wanting in pattern company previously and would presumably have been used as a pacemaker had The Lion In Winter taken his chance, more patiently ridden in his absence and just not up to the task; held up, shaken up over 2f out, made no impression.