A strong renewal in which all but four were already Group winners, and three of them at the highest level. Another Group 1 winner, Literato, was unfortunately withdrawn, but he had been out of form so far this year, so his absence did not detract too much from the quality.

Suggestions that DUKE OF MARMALADE was poor value and had gained this year's two wins in relatively weak Group 1 races proved wide of the mark when he powered clear in tremendous style from over a furlong out, having looked for a moment or two early in the straight as if he might make hard work of it.

The further he went the better he looked, and it would be no surprise at all if he proved at least as effective over 1m4f, which would bring into calculations races such as theKing George and the Arc, as well as further top 1m2f events such as the Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes. However, he could evidently return to 1m.

In essence, his programme will all have to fit around Henrythenavigator's.Although he had failed towin last year, Duke Of Marmalade ran a series of fine races in top company, including when beaten only a neck by stablemate Excellent Art in the St James's Palace here. At the time it was evidently difficult to train him, as he was feeling the pins he had inserted in a joint after an injury at two, but following a bit of tweaking through the winter it is a different story now and he is thriving, both mentally and physically.

He now looks a worthy successor to Dylan Thomas, and that is saying something.

Phoenix Tower had been beaten only once before, when a possibly unlucky second to Creachadoir in the Lockinge, and he was open to improvement over this longer trip. Held up on the outside of the pack, he got a bit keen when there was some scrimmaging early on, then raced comfortably enough in mid-field until making his effort on the outer still in the straight. Outpaced initially, he was also inclined to edge right and did Ask no favours just inside the final 2f. But he rallied to snatch second from Pipedreamer close home and ran another fine race.

Pipedreamer looked a Group winner in waiting when impressive in last year's Cambridgeshire, and his two previous defeats this year could be forgiven, on the first occasion (behind Phoenix Tower at Newmarket) on account of the muddling pace, and then at Sandown on account of soft ground. This was a big step up in class, but everything else was in place for an improved effort and he did not disappoint. Held up as usual, he showed more speed than Phoenix Tower to improve into second in the final furlong and looked set to hold on to until worn down near the finish. A Group 3 or Group 2 ought to be at his mercy granted a proper pace and fast ground, but one could well understand it if connections opted first for another crack at a Group 1 prize in the Eclipse.

Ask found the trip on the sharp side at this level and he was already struggling when tightened up between Phoenix Tower and Pipedreamer just inside the last 2f. He could still have a Group 1 in him at 1m4f, although probably abroad.

Stotsfold had no easy task, especially from a lowish draw and, having been dropped across the back of the field to race on the rail, he was still last into the straight. Having got a good run up the inside of Hattan he then needed switching left off the rail, but although he finished only sixth he was almost upsides the weakening Pressing and the plugging on Ask.

French challenger Loup Breton had to prove himself on this very different ground. He was not disgraced, but he never got in a blow and conditions may well have simply been too quick for him.

Petara Bay was a rank outsider, but he is still held in high regard and he exceeded the expectations of many by leading the chasing pack and weakening only in the final furlong. He could still have a nice race in him, but not at this level.

Hattan isn't quite up to this level, and nor is Regime, but in fairness Regime had a difficult task, stuck out wide all of the way from stall 1.

Red Rock Canyon acted as a pacemaker for the winner and did his job well. Remarkably, he has yet to win a race, although he has an RPR of 118.

Sixties Icon had no problem at this trip at Goodwood on his previous start, but he did not run a race this time. He needed pushing along for a few strides on the inner in the very early stages, and that got him lit up and running up the winner's backside. He was in trouble starting up the straight and eased down. It isworth noting that several from his stable have been below form lately.[GD]

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