SANDOWN PARK 19:05

All 7 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +29 yds

Time: 3m 32.67s Closing Sectional: (4f): 48.8s (106.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101.6%

A good prize for stayers in its own right, but a race usually viewed as a Gold Cup trial, even though subsequent Gold Cup winners contesting the race have appeared infrequently over the years -Trip To Paris, runner-up in 2015 before his victory at the Royal meeting the exception rather than the rule - though Big Orange could buck that trend, this as good a trial for the stayers' blue riband as one could wish to see, his ability for the task and well-being in no doubt, his stamina the unanswered question, though the way he shapes suggests he won't be found wanting in that regard.

BIG ORANGE after 9 weeks off, made the most of a good opportunity, having the run of the race against lesser rivals, but he did it in style and this sets him up perfectly for the Gold Cup, where a similar sort of ride could well pay dividends; led, kicked on end of back straight, ridden 3f out, stayed on strongly, well on top finish.

HIGHER POWER back on turf, ran up to his best, facing his sternest test to date, just no match for a superior stayer; prominent, second early on final circuit, ridden 3f out, stayed on, no impression on winner; he has plenty of second placings in his record, but he does little wrong and will continue to give a good account.

SHE IS NO LADY made an encouraging return after 8 months off, running up to her best in this higher grade; mid-division, effort straight, kept on well after 2f out, never on terms; she perhaps won't be the easiest to place, with a penalty in listed events, but should continue to run with credit.

VENT DE FORCE well held in 2 starts in 2016, was much more like his old self after 9 months off, running his best race since he landed this in 2015, even though he shaped as if just short of peak fitness; chased leader 3f, remained prominent, no extra over 2f out.

BERGHAIN (IRE) upped in trip, had plenty to find on form and ran as well as could be expected, never looking remotely likely to get involved; held up, effort straight, made little impression.

ELIDOR having just his second run over 2m, like the first the outcome inconclusive as to his effectiveness at it, just never at the races at any stage; dropped out, always behind.

QUEST FOR MORE (IRE) was well held after 9 weeks off, just not seeming himself, looking ill at ease when shaken up; held up, took keen hold, headway early on final circuit, weakened early in straight.