This speed test is often a trial for the Norfolk Stakes or the Queen Mary Stakes, but few of these had looked obvious Royal Ascot material to date and the relatively bunched finish is another sign that this is not great form.

But DONCASTER ROVER had certainly shown a fair amount of ability on his debut in the Brocklesby at Doncaster seven weeks previously and confirmed it here, tracking the leader, ridden to go on inside the final 1f, just pushed out late on. He was not asked to do much more than necessary here, so although the form is not outstanding that is not to say that he will not prove capable of better again.

Aspen Darlin did not shape at all badly on her step up from making a winning debut in modest maiden company at Warwick as shewas keen early on but kept on in the straight to take second place near the finish. She had got up close home on soft ground on her debut and clearly shapes as though she will be suited by a stiffer test of stamina, so this was an encouraging effort.

Her stablemate She'sA Shaw Thing was the form choice judged on her stylish wins at Warwick and Nottingham but the ground was on the soft side at both tracks and she proved rather less effective on this firmer surface, outpaced from over a furlong out. She may prove simplyto have been an early two-year-old but she is probably worth another chance with more give underfoot.

Just The Lady again showed early speed but has yet to prove she is up to this grade. Meg Jicaro was soon outpaced.

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