NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 15:40

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 23.34s

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101%

This isn't regarded as one of the leading 2-y-o races of the season but it has thrown up several high-class performers in recent years, no less than 5 of the last 15 winners having gone on to Group 1 success, including 2012 scorer Havana Gold, and Maftool did it comfortably in what looks a very solid renewal, run at a sound pace and with no hard-luck stories.

MAFTOOL (USA) had been crying out for a step up in trip since day one and the extra 1f was the trigger for big improvement as he went one better than in the Sirenia Stakes last time, showing smart form and value for even more than the winning margin, and this certainly entitles him to a crack at the major 2-y-o races to come this backend, now proven at this track with the Dewhurst in mind; held up, progress halfway, chased leader 2f out, led under pressure inside final 1f, stayed on strongly and had a bit in hand; he will be suited by 1m and is open to further improvement with that in mind.

MARKAZ (IRE) was suited by the 1f longer trip and ran his best race to date, though it's probably about what he's capable of at this stage; typically slowly into stride but soon pressed leader, went with enthusiasm, went on halfway, headed just inside final 1f, kept on but was no match for winner; will continue to give good account at a similar level.

MUBTAGHAA (IRE) wasn't disgraced back at Group level but failed to quite match the form he'd shown at York 5 weeks ago, despite having no problem with the 1f longer trip; held up, headway under pressure 2f out, kept on and pulled clear of the remainder but never threatened Maftool.

AZRAFF (IRE) was found out in better company after a couple of nursery wins; prominent, pushed along 3f out, left behind over 1f out.

DANCETRACK (USA) was still rough around the edges, evident in this higher grade just over a couple of weeks since his maiden win; close up, shaken up halfway, ran green, one paced, not unduly punished; remains open to improvement.

NATURAL ORDER (USA) was well held in first-time hood, basically flying too high in this grade; in touch, struggling 3f out, lost place, made little impression.

MAKE IT UP is better than this, as shown by Goodwood, a useful effort backed up by the time, but he proved to be a disappointment on first try in Group company; made running, headed halfway, weakened over 1f out.

VALLEY OF FIRE clearly wasn't 100% on the day; in touch, folded after 2f out, eased off; worth another chance given previous positive impressions.