SANDOWN PARK 19:45

Non Runners: TULLIUS (IRE).

Time: 2m 6.55s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.25s (99.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.7%

A fascinating trial for bigger targets ahead, 4 of the 5 having Group 1 pretentions, 3 of them doing enough to maintain them for a while longer, the obvious disappointment of the race being Tryster; the pace was fair, which helped the third seem to run above himself, the form probably best viewed not at face value.

WESTERN HYMN gained a third win from 3 starts on the track, coping with return to firmer ground and best served of the main 4 by the conditions, despite typically looking awkward; waited with, took keen hold and carried head awkwardly, quickened to challenge over 1f out, edged left, led close home; holds an entry in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, though, given his record at this track, the Eclipse may be a better race to test his Group 1 pretentions.

ARAB SPRING (IRE) back down in trip, ran creditably, though he wasn't able to hold on, despite very much having the run of the race, just lacking the pace required at this level for this shorter trip; led, ridden 2f out, kept on, headed close home; will be suited by a return to 1½m; the Hardwicke would be the obvious race for him at Royal Ascot, but the stable has Telescope for that, so he may end up kept to this trip in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

NICEOFYOUTOTELLME seemed to excel himself, though well positioned as things went and better served by the way the race developed than all bar the winner; handy, travelled well, effort 2f out, kept on inside final 1f.

EAGLE TOP down in trip, shaped encouragingly after 10 months off, his standout efforts having come in much more strongly-run affairs over 2f further; close up, pushed along over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, faded close home; just needed the run and likely to be spot on in his bid to win again at Royal Ascot, with the Hardwicke Stakes surely on the agenda.

TRYSTER (IRE) back on turf, was easy to back and a pale shadow of the horse that had been so impressive on polytrack in the spring, ill at ease on the ground from a long way out, his potent turn of foot nowhere to be seen; held up, not settle fully, ridden over 3f out, made no impression; will have a lot to prove if campaigned further on turf in Britain, though his trainer spoke afterwards of aiming him at the Arlington Million, a rather different test from most he'd face in Britain.