Befortyfour made all, shaken up and drew right away over 1f out, eased near finish

Spic ´n Span chased leading pair, went 2nd halfway, easily left behind by winner final furlong

Millie´s Rock in touch, outpaced from 2f out

Gelert chased winner to halfway, weakened

Big Boom started slowly, outpaced and soon tailed off

What looked to a straightforward opportunity for BEFORTYFOUR to get off the mark on this belated return to the track was made even easier by the withdrawal of the 72-rated Doric Lady and he duly obliged by making all for an easy success.

Last seenrunning a very respectable race in a particularly decent renewal of the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot last June, he has been gelded during his time off the track and clearly had his problems. No doubt he has a touch class about him, however, and while he was entitled to win this as he did, he does look potentially better than just a handicapper. The winning time was also particularly fast, especially as he was eased down, and it will be very interesting to see how the handicapper now assesses thiseffort. Another furlong should also be within his compass on this evidence.

Millie’s Rock stayed on at her own pace in the home straight and now has more options as she becomes eligible for a handicap rating, a comment which also applies to Gelert.

Big Boom fell out of the gates and looked paceless over a trip which his pedigree suggests is too sharp. He is another who now becomes qualified for an official mark.

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