YORK 15:35

Non Runners: REGIONAL, LIVE IN THE DREAM (IRE).

Time: 57.34s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.9s (101.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 122%, Betfair SP 100.7%

The best of the domestic 5f runners aren't anything out of the ordinary at present, not surprising that Asfoora was sent off a warm favourite after her 2 latest efforts over here this summer, and although she wasn't at her best, the form still looks around standard for the race, the contest turning on track position, the majority racing up the centre, Ponntos, along with Bradsell going to the far rail, Starlust and Azure Blue close to them as well, Ponntos leading overall and giving the winner the perfect set-up.

BRADSELL looking in fine shape, proved better than ever on just his second start of the campaign, picking up a second win at this level, seen to advantage the way the race was run, tracking the trailblazer, but so dominant that he will take plenty of beating if he takes his chance in the Flying Five; raced far side, tracked pace, travelled strongly, led halfway, in command soon after, ridden over 1f out, always holding on.

BELIEVING (IRE) is at the top of her game at the moment and did particularly well to take second given where she was drawn and positioned, well away from the best of the pace; raced off the pace, headway over 1f out, kept on well final 1f, took second final strides; she'll presumably get another chance at this level in the Flying Five, sure to give another good account.

STARLUST seemed to excel himself back up in grade but is building up a good record at this track, faring much better than he had in the Charles III and King George, helped by getting a lead from the far-side pair and seen to maximum advantage; raced far side, chased leaders, ridden halfway, stayed on final 1f.

ASFOORA (AUS) wasn't disgraced, drawn away from the strongest pace, but also not so strong in the finish as she might have been, this her fourth run of the British summer; chased leaders, travelled well, shaken up under 2f out, kept on inside final 1f, never landed a blow.

PONNTOS (IRE) fared better than at Goodwood back under his more regular rider, though couldn't sustain his customary lightning burst of speed through the second half of the race; broke well, led, led until halfway, shaken up 2f out, weakened inside final 1f.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS off 2 months, was again below his best at Group 1 level, though probably not ideally served by being away from where the strongest pace was; led main group, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, not quicken.

MAKAROVA was below form having a second try this summer at Group 1 level, ruining any chance she had by hanging so badly under pressure; held up, effort 2f out, hung badly left, made no impression.

BIG EVS (IRE) failed to show his form in this for the second year running, on the wrong wing so far as forcing the pace was concerned and running out of steam late on as a result; pressed leader in main group, raced freely, shaken up 2f out, not quicken, weakened well inside final 1f.

AZURE BLUE (IRE) having her second attempt at a Group 1, was below form after 2 months off, on the same part of the track as the winner and third but never looking likely to get involved; raced far side, raced off the pace, shaken up halfway, made little impression; she's not developed into the sprinter she looked like being after she won here last spring, the infrequency of her appearances since perhaps giving a clue as to why.

FROST AT DAWN (USA) was below form after 5 months off, but had plenty on in this company anyway; in touch, shaken up 2f out, not quicken, weakened inside final 1f.

SO MAJESTIC (IRE) was out of her depth; slowly into stride, raced off the pace, dropped away over 1f out.

CLARENDON HOUSE in first-time cheekpieces, clearly needs treating with plenty of caution, getting close to a second refusal to race this summer; lost all chance at the start, always well behind.