HAYDOCK PARK 15:45

Non Runners: BAZOOKA (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +43 yds

Time: 2m 7.71s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.45s (101.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 100.6%

An up-to-standard renewal of this long-standing Group 3 and, though it was rather a messy affair, the result still makes sense, an unexposed one making a successful transition to pattern company at the second attempt; the gallop set by Scottish wasn't overly strong, the first 2 occupying those positions throughout, and though the favourite was getting the worst of the argument when bumped inside the final 1f he would have been beaten only around half a length at worst without that interference and being eased quite sharply close home.

ROYAL ARTILLERY (USA) without the cheekpieces this time (tongue strap retained), had still seemed inexperienced at Royal Ascot and, 7 weeks on, improved again as he proved himself a smart colt, well positioned the way this developed and a little flattered by the winning margin, too, but the winner on merit all the same and just the sort his trainer will eke out more progress from in time, very much the type to make a better 4-y-o, too; close up, shaken up over 3f out, edged ahead entering final 1f, edged left after, bumped second, dug deep under pressure.

SCOTTISH (IRE) couldn't quite the job done back in pattern company but lost nothing in defeat against one that improved plenty and, if he hadn't been leant on inside the final 1f, he'd have been beaten only half a length, anyway; dictated, challenged from 3f out, headed entering final 1f, bumped soon after, held when eased close home, only just hanging for second as a result.

ARAB SPRING (IRE) shaped as if retaining all ability after 15 months off, ideally suited by more of a test at this trip, especially if ridden in the rather conservative fashion he was here, but he didn't end up having a hard race and it's fair to assume he'll be back to his very smart best next time, still not in double figures for races run despite being a 6yo; in touch, shaken up over 2f out, stayed on.

GABRIAL (IRE) remains in good form, not seen to best effect back up in trip in a race which wasn't run at an end-to-end gallop; dwelt, held up, not quicken over 2f out, kept on again final 1f.

FOUNDATION (IRE) wasn't discredited in first-time blinkers (also gelded since last seen) 8 weeks on from his flop in France but, equally, it was concerning in itself that headgear was felt needed and his performance actually posed more questions, Havlin seeming at pains to nurse him into contention but the response off the bridle not all it might have been; dwelt, held up, travelled as well as any, loomed up over 2f out, shaken up soon after, not quicken.

FIRE FIGHTING (IRE) is best forgiven the run back up in grade, better suited by the large-field handicap scenario and not settling with the early gallop less than strenuous; tracked pace, took strong hold, ridden 3f out, faded approaching final 1f.