ASCOT 15:40

Non Runners: RAWOOF (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +20 yds

Time: 2m 59.36s

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 100.2%

Quite an interesting listed contest for 3-y-o stayers and the form is up to scratch, the trio to dominate the betting pulling clear and involved in a thrilling finish, with Big Orange gamely defying his penalty; Koliakhova took them along at a fair pace.

BIG ORANGE is a really likeable type and progressed again - as he has on each career start to date - to follow up his win in listed handicap at Chester, defying a 3 lb penalty in game fashion; in touch on outer, went with zest, chased leaders before halfway, led over 2f out, joined over 1f out and sustained battle with runner-up, kept on well, just held on; he's apparently going to be supplemented for the Long Distance Cup back here on Champions Day and, while that will require another chunk of progress, should give a good account of himself; further ahead he looks the sort to make an impact in some of the main Cup races in 2015.

MARZOCCO (USA) posted a career best when fifth in the St Leger 3 weeks ago and was best in at the weights here, but was unable to get off the mark for the season, likely to cause some to question his mettle but in truth he didn't do much wrong in splitting a couple of progressive types; tracked pace, effort over 2f out, challenged over 1f out, disputed lead final 1f, kept on well, just failed; he still strikes as one who can step up again next year, particularly at 2m+.

MIZZOU (IRE) couldn't quite complete the 4-timer but, upped in grade after landing a Haydock handicap off a BHA mark of 89 last time, still took a significant step forward in form terms, once more looking as though he's already crying out for 2m, held up, ridden from 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, kept on strongly final 1f, not quite get up; there'll be a good deal more to come when able to fully express his abundant stamina next year, likely to be a big player in the Cup races.

ODEON who missed his intended engagement in the St Leger after arriving at the start in an undeclared hood, is bred to stay this trip and settled better than has been the case, but again played up/sweated beforehand and didn't get home; chased leader, travelled better than most, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out.

STATSMINISTER was out of depth; held up, left behind over 2f out.

KOLIAKHOVA (FR) was flying too high in this grade; led until 3f out, dropped away.