ASCOT 16:10

All 7 ran.

Time: 1m 41.98s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.35s (105.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 100.8%

It wasn't until the final 3f or so that the pace began to lift but that didn't prevent another last-to-first Ascot masterclass from Spencer aboard Bless Him, who picked off the least exposed member of the field late on.

BLESS HIM (IRE) is as good an advert as any for his rider's skills, Bless Him yet to run a bad race (when fitness proven anyway) under Spencer and flourishing since reuinted the last twice, circumstances a far cry from his Britannia win here in 2017 but the result the same; dwelt, dropped out, still plenty to do 2f out, smooth headway approaching final 1f, produced to lead last ½f, pushed out, though hard to know just how much would have been there had he had to find it; he wouldn't look totally out of place in a Queen Anne next year, given the way that race has gone in the last couple of seasons.

LORD NORTH (IRE) tight in the market late on, duly resumed his progress switched to a handicap against elders after 4 months off (gelded in the meantime), bumping into a rival in the form of his life but beating the rest with authority; in touch, produced to lead around 2f out, kept on, headed entering last ½f, pulled clear of rest; it almost goes without saying, after only 4 starts, that he's potentially capable of even better for all he may be more high-end handicapper than group-race winner in the making.

DUBAI LEGACY (USA) is no longer progressing on the face of it, put in his place with headgear quickly left off here despite being partnered by a good-value 5 lb claimer; disputed lead, went on around 3f out, headed 2f out, not quicken.

CHIEFOFCHIEFS should strip fitter for this first run in 5 months, shaping better than the bare result; held up, effort approaching final 1f, threatened briefly, badly hampered soon after and not recover; he ought to be spot on next time.

SENIORITY ran one of his lesser races of a winless season, one that had seen his sights lowered to claiming level the time before; in touch, ridden 2f out, no response; he's worth opposing these days.

ZHUI FENG (IRE) without the headgear this time, extended his long losing run courtesy of a much lesser display compared to the last twice; disputed lead until 3f out, carried head bit awkwardly, dropped away gradually.

DON'T GIVE UP probably needed the run on first outing since leaving Saeed Bin Suroor after 18 months off; chased leaders, ridden under 3f out, weakened quickly 1f out; next run should reveal more.