NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 16:00

Non Runners: DUTCH CONNECTION.

Time: 1m 27.31s

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 102.3%

Although all bar one of the 6 that lined up for this season's Dewhurst Stakes had won in either listed or Group company already, the standard set on form wasn't high, and with the trio that had achived the most previously - Smuggler's Cove, Estidhkaar and Maftool - all running below form it ended up an uncompetitive renewal; it was also quite steadily run, Adam Kirby setting the tempo aboard Kodi Bear and not upping the ante until well after halfway.

BELARDO (IRE) hadn't convinced entirely under pressure in the Champagne Stakes (hung left) and a first-time hood possibly helped in that regard, whilst returning to easy ground was no negative either having already won under similar conditions, and even though this ended up a weaker Dewhurst than normal he has to be credited with plenty of improvement to win a Group 1 so readily, value for more than the 2-length winning margin over Kodi Bear having overcome some trouble; raced in touch against the stand rail, always travelling well, headway when denied a run over 1f out but forced his way through entering the final 1f and was soon in command, quickening clear; he will stay the 1m in next year's 2000 Guineas, which has to be the plan for the spring now, but he lacks physical scope, a compact sort, not obviously a better 3-y-o in the making, and there is a suspicion that this will prove to be his day in the sun, any Group 1 he contests from hereonin sure to be a lot more competitive than this proved.

KODI BEAR (IRE) has done nothing but improve all year and did so again to cope with the step up in grade 12 weeks after winning a listed event at Ascot, though did have the run of the race and was put firmly in his place by the winner; led, shaken up over 2f out, headed approaching last ½f, kept on; he'll stay 1m and will no doubt be aimed at the 2000 Guineas, but it seems unlikely that he'll be making a splash in the very top races next season.

SMUGGLER'S COVE (IRE) impressed when tearing away with a listed race at Dundalk last week, a performance that made him top rated for this, but he failed to repeat it, the quick turnaround possibly telling and/or being back on softish turf might not have been ideal; prominent, went with zest, challenged around 2f out, weakened inside final 1f; he's quite a powerful colt, deep-girthed, and based on that recent listed win he should be up to winning pattern races in the future.

ESTIDHKAAR (IRE) had done nothing wrong up to this point, an impressive winner of both the Superlative Stakes and the Champagne, both of which underline that he's better than this, just not himself on the day for some reason; he moved poorly to post and the warning signs were out as soon as the race began, diving right leaving the stalls and ending up a couple of lengths detached in rear, making a threatening move on the outer over 2f out but then not finding much, held entering the final 1f and having no more to give.

MAFTOOL (USA) wasn't in same form as when winning the Tattersall Stakes in a fast time here last month, quite possibly unsuited by softer ground conditions; held up, in touch halfway, struggling over 1f out, faded, not unduly punished.

SECRET BRIEF (IRE) faced a much stiffer task up to Group 1 company but seemed to find this one run too many, anyway, after a couple hard-fought wins in valuable sales races at this track, sweating up badly beforehand and below form; pressed leader, pushed along 2f out, folded.