NEWMARKET (JULY) 14:25

All 12 ran.

Time: 1m 11.75s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.55s (100.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 100.4%

We're still awaiting a real standout performance from a juvenile colt in Europe in 2017 and that remains the case after this latest running of the July Stakes, won with a smart and likeable performance from Cardsharp, the form matching up to the 5-year standards but no better than that.

CARDSHARP is thriving on racing, like so many do from this stable, and after a good third in the Norfolk last time he improved back over 6f, the step back up in trip seeming in his favour; raced centre, never far away, hung left over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final 1f, driven clear; he's held his form since day 1 and will continue to be competitive at this sort of level, with races such as the Richmond and Vintage Stakes possible targets at Goodwood, likely to stay 7f now for all that he's not short of speed, especially on a downhill track.

U S NAVY FLAG (USA) took time to click but is progressing now, much more competitive back in pattern company, the blinkers having made a big difference seemingly, and he did nothing wrong here; led, driven over 1f out, headed inside final 1f, one paced; his full sister, Roly Poly, kept on improving with racing/experience last year and he's bred to stay 7f.

RAJASINGHE (IRE) had it tougher under a 3-lb penalty but would have gone closer if he'd have matched the form of his Coventry win, not quite running to the same level here for all that it was still a creditable effort, and despite his sprint pedigree he is shaping as if he'll stay 7f and possible even be suited by it; in touch, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders entering final 1f, kept on well and took third on the line; it is worth pointing out that he's from a very precocious family that have a history of not training on at 3, but certainly short term he should remain competitive in top juvenile races.

INVINCIBLE ARMY (IRE) has made a promising start to his career and ran well upped in grade, comfortable at this level, going through the race as well as any; pressed leader, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, every chance entering final 1f, no extra final 50 yds; a well-bred colt, he remains open to improvement.

ALBA POWER (IRE) faced a stiffer task in this grade but ran well, backing up the improvement from last time, and he should find this aiding his development; mid-division, pushed along soon after halfway, headway over 1f out, one paced; he'll stay 7f and is still unexposed.

ENJAZAAT perhaps found it a bit of a shock to the system up in grade having dominated at Yarmouth last time but ran respectably, not looking out of his depth as such, and he's still learning his job; chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, one paced.

ROLAND ROCKS (IRE) who was in first-time cheekpieces, ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade; hampered start, held up, outpaced over 2f out, never landed a blow; it's worth trying 7f next.

GRAND KOONTA (IRE) produced his best effort to date up markedly in class and shaped with some encouragement with a view to going further; raced centre, in rear, outpaced halfway, best work finish, found the test inadequate; will be suited by 7f+ and remains capable of better with that in mind.

DENAAR (IRE) again ran below form but was spared a hard race and is possibly going to appreciate a return to softer ground; held up, outpaced 2f out, never on terms.

IT DONT COME EASY (IRE) was well below form this time, making no impression, spared a hard race but still disappointing, and his fast-time Musselburgh win remains something of a standout.

SOUND AND SILENCE was way too free over this 1f longer trip; prominent, pulled too hard, lost place 2f out, weakened.

HEY GAMAN clearly wasn't 100% on the day, seeming unsuited by the track for one thing, and also possible the race came a bit soon after his Yarmouth win; prominent, took strong hold, shaken up soon after halfway, found little.