NEWBURY 16:10

Non Runners: GOLDEN STEPS (FR).

Time: 1m 24.43s Closing Sectional: (4f): 46.8s (103.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 101%

A race first run as a Group 2 in 2006, one of the main races in the British calendar at this distance, though it has rarely been a strong race at this level, only a couple of those 11 runnings producing top-class performances, from Excelebration and Paco Boy, the winner's effort here, improved as it was, much more a regulation one for the event, borderline very smart, the race overall short on quantity and quality.

RICHARD PANKHURST dropped to 7f, proved better than ever, producing the sort of performance that he has long promised in his infrequent appearances on the track, this the first time he's managed a third run in a year and seemingly all the better for regular racing; held up, travelled well, good headway after 2f out, led inside final 1f, kept on well; he holds an entry in the Park Stakes, but would need to improve again to defy a penalty in that contest.

HOME OF THE BRAVE (IRE) generally competes at a higher level than most of his rivals and looked the form pick, but he wasn't able to make the most of his chance, running into an improver; led, shaken up over 2f out, edged right and headed inside final 1f, one paced.

DARK EMERALD (IRE) hasn't won in 7 starts this year, but he's generally performed with credit, and he did so again, up in grade and without the tongue strap this time, needing no excuses; in touch, ridden over 2f out, challenged 1f out, one paced.

MARKAZ (IRE) ran respectably, though, as in the Lennox, he just seemed to find the final 1f stretching him, a return to 6f likely to be beneficial; held up, effort over 2f out, challenged over 1f out, no extra.

JALLOTA ran respectably, the pick of his form a little short of what was required anyway at this level; prominent, ridden over 2f out, wandered over 1f out, faded well inside final 1f.

CONVEY was below form on his second attempt at Group 2 level this year, no real excuses this time, looking comfortable over the shorter trip, but failing to pick up when asked for more; tracked pace, travelled well, pushed along 2f out, not clear run entering final 1f, no extra.