A rare renewal of this Group 2, which carries the sobriquet of the Royal Ascot Derby, in that there were no refugees from the Epsom Classic, although Derby runners have had a habit of failing to perform so soon after their Epsom exertions. This did not look the strongest renewal, although there were the stereotypes - leading contenders from Derby trials along with progressive handicappers Bronze Cannon and Conduit, who was supplemented after his breathtaking win at Epsom 13 days earlier, albeit in a 1m2fhandicap off a mark of 85. The bare form around the placed horses would suggest at best that this was Group 3 level.

It also looked a tactical affair, with CAMPANOLOGIST dictating throughout, although the time still comfortably beat that posted byMichita in the Ribblesdale, despite, or perhaps because, of the overnight watering. Campanologist remains on an upward curve and the strapping colt was the scopiest in the field, so he can develop into a Group 1 performer, if not this year, then certainly next.

Under a fine tactical ride from Frankie Dettori, who was able to wait until into the straight to go for home as he was not pressed for the lead, Campanologist got the 1m4f well enough after doubts were raised about his stamina following his Lingfield Derby Trial defeat. He had just changed stables after being bought by Godolphin and can be excused a blip, if it was that, as it was his first attempt at Group level and he was only just beaten. He has Group 1 entries, including the Coral-Eclipse over 1m2f, which may turn out to be his optimum trip, but that task against his elders may come too soon, along with his entry in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes back over course and distance. Godolphin have him among their entries (along with Boscobel, who won this race last year) for the Princess of Wales's at the Newmarket July meeting, a Group 2 that often cuts up.

Conduit can be rated an unlucky loser, as he got a hefty bump off the wayward Winchester on the home bend, which put him in a spin for a few strides, and then he had to be pulled around the hanging Top Lock inside the final furlong when threatening to force at least a photo with the winner. He fully justified the handicapper's hike of 13lb, which was expected after the style of his Epsom success. He is an altogether different specimen to the winner but equally as progressive. His trainer brought two other 1m2f handicap winners here to take this prize, but Papal Bull and Balakheri had won at the Craven meeting, while Conduit has had two quick races, and connections are thinking of easing off him for now. He has a way to go yet to match his owner's Derby runner-up Tartan Bearer but looks a similar sort with class and stamina which could lead them both towards the St Leger.Something like the Great Voltigeur could be his mission.

All The Aces, who got warm in the preliminaries, tracked the first two in the pocket on the rails. Another fine stamp of a colt, he got outpaced as the gallop quickened but was edging back late and he is another who could make up into a St Leger candidate if he progresses again.

Nothing else threatened, with City Leader and Bronze Cannon most disappointing, having sat well off the pace. City Leader was given a shove by Winchester out of the stalls just as his jockey was trying to settle him at the back and he got buzzed up for a few furlongs. That alone is not enough to explain his shortlived effort in the straight.

Bronze Cannon, who had been considered for the Derby after his progression in the spring, did not impress in his coat. While this was a step up in class, he had beaten Derby fourth Doctor Fremantle in a 1m2f handicap at the Craven meeting but failed to find that trademark burst of speed in the straight. [BJ]

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