HAYDOCK PARK 14:55

Non Runners: AYRAD (IRE), SPARK PLUG (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +43 yds

Time: 2m 10.96s

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 100.7%

This looked quite a strong race by Group 3 standards, with the likes of Hillstar and True Story dropping in grade, but that pair didn't perform right up to their best, nor any of the others in fact, so although Amralah has t been credited with a bit more improvement, it is a race that took less winning than looked likely; the winner also benefited from an enterprising ride, tactics making the difference between the first 2 on the day.

AMRALAH (IRE) deserves credit for the progress he's making first and foremost, causing another surprise to follow up recent Newbury listed win in this even higher grade, producing another career best, bordering on very smart form, and, although he again benefited from the run of the race to some extent, his straightforward style and willing attitude are things that will often give him an edge; front-running tactics seem to have been the making of him and he made all again here, allowed a fair bit of rope early on, but still went enthusiastically and also dug deep once shaken up over 2f out, galloping on resolutely without ever being strongly challenged by the runner-up; another step up in grade beckons, perhaps in the Irish Champion Stakes, which would be much tougher still, but there's every reason to expect him to continue in form.

HILLSTAR added to his string of sound placed efforts, not doing much wrong, left with a lot to do in relation to the front-running winner, surprisingly so considering he was dropping back in trip, making good headway out wide over 2f out and keeping on despite edging left slightly; it's well over a year now since he got his head in front but has been consistent during that time, often bumping into one or having an excuse, and his attitude isn't really in question.

TRUE STORY is more talented than he's been showing through the summer, underlined still by his 7-length romp in the Feilden, but his attitude might well have something to do with his failure to reproduce that very smart performance, headgear thought necessary, and he didn't look straightforward this day, seeming to be labouring over 3f out but probably just not putting everything in, making late headway as he knuckled down; he's capable of winning in Group company again but, right now, isn't one for maximum faith.

EDUCATE seems to thrive under a different set of circumstances to this, his big efforts having come in competitive handicaps, ridden more positively than usual, chasing the leader, but not quickening from 2f out, unsuited by the way the race developed.

DANADANA (IRE) is yet to recapture his best form this year but took a step back in the right direction at least; held up, headway under pressure over 2f out, not quicken; it was in the Strensall Stakes at York's Ebor meeting that he was better than ever 12 months ago and that will probably be a target again.

NABUCCO was below form, a second run within 3 weeks on firmish ground perhaps not ideal, as although he handles such conditions his record on softer than good is more convincing; chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, faded.

VANCOUVERITE had been beaten in a photo finish by Amralah last time but disappointed here, clearly not 100% on the day; in rear, struggling over 2f out, made no impression.