DONCASTER 14:40

All 12 ran.

Time: 3m 55.91s

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100%

Very Good Day soon built up a clear lead which ensured they didn't crawl, yet still there was a heaped finish to the 2014 Doncaster Cup, giving it a muddling look, the proximity of the 80-rated Kalann raising obvious doubt over the worth and solidity of the bare form, so a cautious view is advised.

ESTIMATE (IRE) didn't need to be at her very best to get her head in front for the first time since last season's Ascot Gold Cup, not even running to the same level of form as she had when second to Pale Mimosa at York 3 weeks earlier, but she did only what was required and returning to an even longer trip did suit; chased leaders, progress 3f out, led approaching final 1f, kept on well but needed to be driven right out to keep her mind on the job; the Melbourne Cup is under consideration as an autumn target but it's not a race that would be likely to suit such a thorough stayer as Estimate.

WHIPLASH WILLIE is having an excellent season, better than ever, this another cracking effort to be placed on his first try in one of the very top staying races, seeing out the 2f longer trip without any problem at all; mid-division, travelled well, headway over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, kept on; holding his form well and is likely to continue to do so.

KALANN (IRE) arrived on the back of a win but that came in a handicap from a mark in the 70s and he essentially looked a thoroughly exposed 7-y-o, running a massive race to be placed, showing smart form, no obvious reason why he's flattered on the day, but given it's come from totally out of the blue it won't be surprising if he's unable to repeat this next time; held up, steady headway over 3f out, challenged around 2f out, no extra well inside final 1f.

CLEVER COOKIE could win one of these Cup races in the future, generally progressive this season, and left the impression that he should have finished closer on this first crack at a Group race, the 4f longer trip no problem at all; raced off the pace, still well back around 3f out, finished well, never nearer, left with too much to do; he'll be worth keeping onside in similar events.

BIOGRAPHER confirmed return to form, enough to take from his last two starts to suggest that he retains all of his ability, but he's had a few goes in these Cup races now and never finished better than mid-field; raced off the pace, headway 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, stuck to task.

BRASS RING ran as well as could be expected, right up his best; chased leader, went on over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one paced, had every chance.

ANGEL GABRIAL (IRE) proved that he stays this far at Chester earlier in the season but was possibly stretched by the trip at a more galloping track, running below form; in touch, effort 3f out, faded from 2f out.

TIMES UP had won the previous two renewals of this race but disappointed this time, perhaps more prone to a poor run these days, an 8-y-o after all; mid-division, progress 3f out, folded over 1f out.

ALWILDA faced a stiff task in this grade and wasn't up to it; tracked pace, dropped away 2f out.

REPEATER is struggling for form at present, always behind.

BATTLE OF MARENGO (IRE) was stepping up 6f in trip and was well held, always behind; he's shown little since joining this yard and has plenty to prove.

VERY GOOD DAY (FR) was used as a pacemaker and finished well held on first outing since leaving Mick Channon after 16 months off, racing clear, headed over 2f out and stopping quickly.