HAYDOCK PARK 14:40

Non Runners: SOLE POWER.

Time: 1m 0.15s

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.5%

Other races in the champions sprint series will have far more strength in depth than this, and Sole Power was withdrawn on the day due to the softening ground, but it was still a significant Temple Stakes for the announcement made by 3-y-o Hot Streak, that he's ready and able for the top level, while it was likewise a coming-of-age day for runner-up Pearl Secret, the pair clear at the end; the runners kept together, middle-to-far side, Justineo and Hot Streak set a strong pace before the latter's extra speed/class took him away from the field in the penultimate furlong, only the second emerging from the pack, though the third met trouble.

HOT STREAK (IRE) looks one of those 3-y-os with the rare ability to make it to the top of the sprinting division sooner rather than later, all guns blazing towards the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot after this, put some extra on top of an already high rating for a developing sprinter, very impressive about his business; awkward step leaving stalls but soon forcing pace alongside Justineo, and even the striking part seemed to come easy to him, when he quickened on from the pack in the penultimate furlong, breaking all bar the runner-up, though holding him without looking to be all out; copes with soft ground well, but doesn't need it (good to firm when scoring on debut and close third in Palace House), and in fact, given his exceptional speed, it's probably a case of the sharper the test the better for him; outstanding performance in last year's Cornwallis is a big plus point for him going back to Ascot, a good bet to raise his game further still there.

PEARL SECRET might be two years the winner's senior but he's only had one more race, and he too passed a significant test here, if belatedly; put the Palace House behind him, produced the sort of high-class performance he's long since threatened, up against it conceding 8 lb to 3-y-o Hot Streak and doing really well to run him close, clear of the rest, coming from off the pace (against the far rail), settling much better this time and therefore able to express himself all the more; in the Diamond Jubilee as well as the King's Stand at Royal Ascot, the latter more his trip (5f), third in it last year, though he's in the same ownership as Hot Streak and hard to see him reversing these placings however much he applies himself; gave his all on firm ground in that 2013 King's Stand but otherwise he's saved his best for (and mostly been campaigned on) good or softer.

KINGSGATE NATIVE (IRE) had finished ahead of the first 2 in the Palace House, but more a case of that pair not doing themselves full justice that day, plus they have youth on their side relative to him, and he probably did about all he could here, on softer ground than ideal (firm when he won this last year); chased leaders, couldn't lay a glove on Hot Streak this time, but stuck to the task, if a bit fortunate to get third with Justice Day making his move the sooner and Jack Dexter caught up in traffic; former Royal Ascot winner, but will do well to make the podium at his age.

JUSTICE DAY (IRE) was quickly back on it only a week after York, showing much more like his smart 2-y-o form, when one place behind Hot Streak in Middle Park, not in the same league as that one now but shaped a bit better still than this result, racing closer to pace than Pearl Secret and going with him initially as they gave chase to the winner over 1f out, tying up late after that effort.

JACK DEXTER was right back on song, or at least would have been with a clear run of things; held up, looked more his old self with the way he travelled, even down at 5f, but forced to check/wait as Mirza hung left over 1f out and unable to open up until the last 100 yds, far too late, not to say he'd have challenged the first 2, though giving the impression he's as good as last year after all, fourth in the King's Stand then, despite the very fast ground.

JUSTINEO just isn't up to the level he's been campaigned this year, a worse sixth here than in the Palace House, excusable with the softer ground blunting what he's best at, speed to burn; matched Hot Streak to over 1f out, before that effort - coupled with the conditions - took its toll on him.

MIRZA was in position to impact until hanging badly left, something of a missed opportunity for him, if not in win terms, as he needs the ground like it was, hence he's campaigned as much in France, his reappearance over there less than a fortnight earlier showing he retains all of his ability.

HAWKEYETHENOO (IRE) was taken off his feet down at this trip against some very fast horses, but he may just not be the force of old, anyway.

SMOOTHTALKINRASCAL (IRE) was out of his depth, the re-tried headgear irrelevant this day, always behind; needs sights lowering.