The absence of Lucarno robbed the race of one of its class acts, although history says he would have been up against it trying to defy his Group 1 penalty as it has been 18 years since Assatis did so.

The St Leger winner had twice beaten MACARTHURlast year to suggest he would have gone close under his penalty here, notwithstanding a modest comeback over 10f in the Brigadier Gerard when behind Maraahel. Macarthur had intimated in both winning the Ormonde by a street and finishing third in the Coronation Cup that he was progressing apace. He also looks to be going forward on a sound surface and he fully deserved this first Group 2 after his titanic effort in the Group 1 Coronation when it looked as if he was used as part of team tactics, picking upthe baton from a trailblazing stablemate and sacrificing himself by going six lengths clear before the held-up Soldier of Fortune pounced.

He has always looked very versatile and he is clearly another from the stable with a iron constitution. He did not look the likely winner off the home turn as he was rowed along more urgently than many, and it was only into the dying strides that he got the better of Multidimensional as they pulled clear. Connections will be keen to get him a Group 1 but initial vibes were that he would have a break after his two quick races.

Hills held him at 14-1 for the King George, but the key to his chances is Ballydoyle tactics. Paddy Power's 20-1 appeals as an each-way price in a race that is likely to cut up and Macarthur has shown he enjoys this track, although stablemate Soldier Of Fortune holds the bragging rights.

Multidimensional had looked progressive with a Group 2 on board two years ago before injury problems. After three disappointing efforts, including behind Macarthur in the Coronation, the real Multidimensional turned up, having again got glowing reports from his home work. He looked to have them beaten as he eased ahead into the final 2f and while wanting to hang right, he galloped on strongly compared to the remainder. Connections feel this tough 1m4f might just have found him out so he will be found easier tests of stamina, but on this display he can add another Group 2 to reward connections for keeping him in training.

Speed Gifted did not impress despite arguably running right up to his raised mark, which suggests a Listed win is a formality. The problem is his attitude as he was niggled along at halfway, moved up begrudgingly around the outside of the packin the straight but then tellingly veered left near the finish. He had been wayward at Goodwood on his recent comeback and on this evidence is going to need some finessing in his races. In his defence, he is lightly raced and this was a strongly run Group 2, which was another big step up for this promising handicapper.

  Yellowstone, a former comrade of the winner, has not given much encouragement of a renaissance for new connections. The plus side is that he is starting to plummet down the ratings to open up further options. He chased the pace and still held place chances over 2f out before fading. A drop in trip may suit when he can take a drop in class.

Spanish Moon, who made such a big impression on his comeback from a cracked pelvis albeit in Listed company, was most disappointing. He got warm at the start and initially dug his toes in when presented to the stalls. Heaved in with a blind on, he then raced far too furiously early on, which helps explain hisno-show in the straight after switching left to get a run as Speed Gifted rattled past him. He needs to learn to switch off again. [BJ]

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