NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 15:50

Non Runners: ALUTIQ (IRE), KIYOSHI.

Time: 1m 37.4s

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 99.8%

A 1000 Guineas with a wide open look to it, the ratings pre-race tightly knit, and it neither proved to be a strong nor entirely satisfactory renewal, a cautious view of the form well advised as a modest pace made it muddling and stopped them from getting strung out, the proximity of 100/1-chance Manderley - who'd dictated the pace - underlining that the advantage was with those ridden closer up; it's still entirely possible that the best three fillies in the race, at least over 1m, came to the fore, but there'll be other races upcoming that give a clearer indication to their merits.

MISS FRANCE (IRE) had been ante-post favourite for this throughout the winter, eased out after defeat on her return, but that was an easy run to forgive, tuning her up more than anything, and, in a race that also panned out better for her, was right back on track to land the 201st running of the 1000 Guineas, barely needing to improve on the form of her Oh So Sharp Stakes win to again get the better of Lightning Thunder in a tight finish, a little fortunate this time though in that she had a better position than the runner-up and kept a straighter line; prominent, travelled well, led under pressure inside final 1f, just held on and didn't seem to be idling on this occasion, as she had in the Oh So Sharp; she doesn't look a star at this point in time and wouldn't be sure to confirm superiority over all of these rivals another day, but clearly smart, remains physically unfurnished and is bred to stay further than 1m to give more options at a later stage, plus she's with an expert trainer.

LIGHTNING THUNDER has surprisingly done really well since last year, all the bigger and stronger, much more so than Miss France who'd also beaten her narrowly in the Oh So Sharp last autumn, and she probably should have won this, caught further back than ideal in a race that wasn't truly run, conceding a few lengths to the winner from mid-field, yet still likely to have got there had she not hung left when her rider changed his whip inside the final 1f, finishing with a flourish but just failing; the step up to 1m suited her well and she is related to a couple of stayers, both of whom themselves were by a sire who is more of a speed influence (Auction House), so although by Dutch Art she will probably stay further, but the best options for now are at this trip and she'll hold sound claims of gaining compensation in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

IHTIMAL (IRE) had improved in Dubai since a good third in the Fillies' Mile, impressive in both the UAE 1000 Guineas and Oaks, the highest rated of these based on the form she showed in the latter, and although not matching that same level of performance back on turf she did run a big race against better quality opponents than she'd been facing at Meydan; in touch, travelled smoothly, challenged entering final 1f, kept on, had every chance; she's in the Oaks but the trip would probably stretch her and there are plenty more pattern races to be won with her between 1m and 1¼m.

MANDERLEY (IRE) is still a maiden, albeit a useful one, and is probably flattered by seeming to excel herself with this fourth-placed finish in a classic, having the run of the race as she dictated a modest gallop, headed just inside the final 1f and unable to quicken.

EURO CHARLINE ran creditably up further in grade after her fast-finishing second in the Nell Gwyn, the 1f longer trip no problem, but she was well positioned and beaten on merit, chasing the leaders and holding every chance over 1f out before her effort flattened out.

MAJEYDA (USA) can just about hold her own in Group company, as she did this day, but was better placed than most close to the modest pace, certainly needing no excuses, and if she's kept to these top fillies' races then she'll remain vulnerable.

RIZEENA (IRE) ran well over this trip in the Fillies Mile when last seen 7 months ago but did get picked up that day after briefly looking the winner and failed to convince that she truly stays on this occasion, admittedly after time off, but won't have been left short for a big day and it's more likely that she'll prove best at short of 1m; in touch, travelled strongly, ridden over 1f out, found less than looked likely.

VORDA (FR) wasn't seen to best effect, poorly placed under a patient ride and also reportedly losing a shoe, but doesn't convince as a miler, even though keeping on steadily from the back here, and it's when dropping back in trip that there could yet be a better performance to come from her.

SANDIVA (IRE) had the fifth and sixth behind her in the Fred Darling but might well have been more ready for that day than some of the others and wasn't in quite the same form 18 days on, admittedly in a muddling race; mid-division, ridden over 2f out and didn't quicken, making little impression.

LAMAR (IRE) was flying too high in this grade; in rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, never landed a blow, admittedly from a less-than-ideal position but not good enough, anyway.

JOYEUSE is better judged on previous form but is relatively exposed now, anyway; dropped out, progress halfway, effort flattened out, not well placed.

PRINCESS NOOR (IRE) who was fitted with first-time cheekpieces after 7 months off, isn't sure to stay 1m and might well be better off back at shorter with this first run of the season behind her; held up, effort 2f out, never on terms.

LADY LARA (IRE) seemed unsuited by the track but was out of her depth; held up, short of room after 3f, held when stumbled under 2f out, no extra.

BRACELET (IRE) disappointed having progressed well in 3 runs in Ireland previously but is much better than this and, given it was a messy race on the firmest ground that she'd encountered since her debut (possibly unsuited by conditions), she's worth another chance; mid-field, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, not persevered with once held; should be suited by at least 1m.

BETIMES was much too free after 5 months off over this 1f longer trip; held up, pulled too hard, beaten over 1f out; clearly thought capable of better to be so highly tried at this early stage.

LUCKY KRISTALE failed to stay this 2f longer trip, best off back at sprint distances after such a successful 2-y-o season at 6f; steadied at the start, raced too freely, bumped around halfway, weakened 2f out, eased off.

TAPESTRY (IRE) well backed but clearly wasn't 100% on her return from 8 months off, something amiss, folding tamely over 2f out and heavily eased off.