SANDOWN PARK 14:10

Non Runners: MASAR (IRE).

Time: 2m 4.04s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.2s (103.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A race deprived at the eleventh hour of the presence of the Derby winner Masar, but his form was well represented by 2 of the other leading 3-y-os and they fought out an exciting finish, having too many guns for some older rivals with questions to answer; the form isn't any better than the average for the Eclipse and perhaps lacks depth, but there can't be a Sea The Stars or Golden Horn every year and the close match in terms of ability between the first 2 makes the prospect of another meeting between them all the more intriuguing; the stewards enquired into interference after the winner had led late on, but allowed the placings to remain as they were, the decision a correct one and one rightly deliberated over by the stewards for as long as they required.

ROARING LION (USA) finally got the better of Saxon Warrior when it mattered, now 2-2 between the pair, little between them at their best; held up, travelled well, headway after 2f out, stayed on to lead final 50 yds, edged right, ran on; the International at York is likely to be next, and he should again give a good account, with a rematch with the runner-up and possibly Masar one to savour.

SAXON WARRIOR (JPN) making a surprise return after just 7 days off, couldn't quite land the spoils but he ran right up to his best, perhaps this trip suiting him slightly better than further, but also less excitable beforehand than had been the case at Epsom; handy, travelled well, led over 1f out, headed final 50 yds, hampered close home; there's every chance of another encounter with the winner at York and there's clearly very little between them.

CLIFFS OF MOHER (IRE) is gathering a decent collection of crumbs from the top table, running here to a similar level to his best of the season, though never looking likely to get involved after a lazy start, not really of much interest for win purposes in races this good; slowly into stride, in rear, raced indolently, progress early in straight, not quicken over 2f out, stayed on inside final 1f.

HAWKBILL (USA) took another step forward, in a race he won in 2016, though he was put in his place readily enough and this may be as good as he is, in Britain at least, these days; led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra final 100 yds.

HAPPILY (IRE) had more on in this company than the market indicated, her first start against males this year, and wasn't up to the task, though she ran close to matching her improved effort last time, this trip better for her than 1m; in touch, shaken up 3f out, not quicken, kept on final 1f.

RAYMOND TUSK (IRE) ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, having just his third start, prize money for sixth paying for a day out; held up, effort 3f out, no extra final 1f; he looks the part and clearly could have more to offer after such a promising beginning to his career.

FOREST RANGER (IRE) after 8 weeks off, wasn't in the same form as previously this season, the bridge to the highest level too much for him to cross; close up, ridden early in straight, weakened over 1f out; he's a likely sort to bounce back at a slightly less exalted level.