NEWMARKET (ROWLEY) 16:00

Non Runners: SMART CALL (SAF).

Time: 1m 37.46s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.95s (107.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100.3%

It was a shame the South African-trained Smart Call was a late absentee, but this was still a Group 1 well up to standard, the winner needing to be close to her best to score for the third time against her own sex at this level this year; the race was tactical, the tempo quickening only from 3f out, the race run in a style in marked contrast to the manner in which the Matron Stakes, which Alice Springs won last time, was run.

ALICE SPRINGS (IRE) added yet another Group 1 to her tally, not having to better her form last time, but doing well in a race run at a very different tempo, ridden handier in expectation of the lack of pace, needing to knuckle down against a game rival; in touch, went with zest, effort over 2f out, led soon after, kept on willingly final 1f and on top towards the finish; likely to go next for the Breeders' Cup Mile.

ALWAYS SMILE (IRE) ran a cracker back in Group 1 company, the cheekpieces quickly left off, getting closer to the winner than she had in the Falmouth and showing a really willing attitude herself; close up, travelled well, every chance from 2f out, gave best only well inside final 1f.

ERVEDYA (FR) ran respectably, rather surprisingly tried in cheekpieces after a good effort last time, helped by being ridden closer to the pace, given the tactical nature of the race, just not quite so good at 4 yrs as she was at 3; handy, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final 1f.

SIYOUSHAKE (IRE) ran well back up in grade, particularly as she wasn't well positioned when the tempo picked up; held up, effort 3f out, stayed on over 1f out, never landed a blow.

IRISH ROOKIE (IRE) ran respectably, in a race where even her very best would have seen her come up short; waited with, effort 2f out, made no impression.

ARABIAN QUEEN (IRE) was below form, despite having the run of things, just not the filly she was last summer; dictated, shaken up 3f out, headed under 2f out, folded.

VOLTA (FR) was well held, not ideally positioned in a tactical race, but seemingly not handling the track as much as anything; held up, not settle fully, effort over 2f out, looked ungainly and no impression; likely to be best judged on previous form if seen out again.

EPSOM ICON was simply flying too high in this grade; patiently ridden, shaken up 3f out, made no impression.