GOODWOOD 15:35

All 6 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +10 yds

Time: 2m 6.22s Closing Sectional: (4f): 45.85s (110.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 99.1%

A small-field Nassau for the third consecutive year, and the disappointment of Rhododendron obviously took away a degree of competitiveness and intrigue, but the winner is rated more or less on a par with the latter renewals of this race, chased home by a recent Group 1 winner and an unexposed improver; there was a tactical element to the race, Wild Illusion dictating a modest gallop before kicking on 4f out, but it didn't seem to affect the result, with the winner proving very determined.

WILD ILLUSION showed improved form to open her account for the year, having acquitted herself very well on her 3 previous starts, making the running this time with the race going perfectly for her but still showing an excellent attitude to fend off the challengers; made all, kicked on 4f out, tackled under 2f out, responded well, proved game; she's a really likeable filly and is sure to continue to give a good account at this level, whilst going back up to 1½m will pose no problem.

URBAN FOX ran creditably without quite being able to match her Curragh form, though may well do so another day, the run of the race seeming to count against her more than most, taking a little while to pick up having moved smoothly; chased leader, travelled fluently, shaken up approaching 2f out, every chance soon after, kept on last ½f; she's well worth another chance.

VERACIOUS improved again upped further in grade, shaping well and, if anything, leaving the impression that she would achieve more still when moving to tackle the winner, her exuberance, rather than the longer trip, seeming to tell late on; in touch, took strong hold, chased leader over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra final 50 yds and lost second late on; that she's been campaigned at a high level both starts this year says plenty as to the esteem in which she's held by connections, a race with her name on it back down slightly in grade, particularly as she may have more improvement still to come.

BILLESDON BROOK ran respectably, better than she did at Royal Ascot without being able to repeat her Guineas performance, probably not ideally placed this time, though she did at least seem to stay the longer trip, unsurprising given her pedigree but opening up more options; raced off the pace, ridden over 2f out, kept on.

WILAMINA (IRE) ran as well as entitled to in this grade, not ideally placed given the run of the race but it seemed to make little difference; raced off the pace, shaken up 3f out, kept on but never a threat.

RHODODENDRON (IRE) is better than this, clearly not herself, for the second time in succession, raising a slight question mark over her wellbeing; in touch, took keen hold, shaken up 3f out, lost place under 2f out, eased off; the Lockinge may have seen her to maximum effect but it did show that, on her day, she's a very smart performer.