SANDOWN PARK 15:25

All 6 ran.

Time: 1m 42.6s Closing Sectional: (4f): 49.25s (104.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A relatively strong listed race on paper with the 2000 Guineas second making his return alongside a trio of smart performers and another with the potential to feature in that bracket, though Dettori's decision to stick with hold-up tactics on the favourite left a race with no real pace on and ulitmately a slightly muddling affair ensued, the aforementioned classic runner-up proving best and looking worth his place back in Group 1 company.

KING OF CHANGE after 5 months off, confirmed all of the improvement he seemed to show in the 2000 Guineas, no such positional advantage this time, in fact probably doing well under the circumstances given he has always looked to be more about stamina than this race demanded; in touch, steady headway 2f out, led approaching final 1f, edged left, stayed on well; he'd have no trouble stepping up to 1¼m but this is a division that lacks superstars and the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot is well worth a shot.

TURGENEV wasn't disgraced, though for the second consecutive start the run of the race went against him, the experiment of more patient tactics proving disadvantageous in a race that placed an emphasis on speed; soon steadied, fairly laboured headway under 2f out, switched inside winner final 1f, not quicken.

SILVER LINE (IRE) ran creditably back in pattern company, the emphasis on speed at this trip causing no concern for him, just lacking the class of some of his rivals, his merit well established; chased leader, travelled as well as any, led 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, one paced.

PRINCE EIJI shaped as if retaining all his ability after 11 months off, the outing probably needed whilst he also wasn't seen to very best effect, all-in-all doing enough to suggest he belongs at this level and possibly even higher; chased leader, raced freely, had to wait for gap 2f out, headway entering final 1f, not sustain effort; he remains with potential.

WOOTTON (FR) gelded since last seen, was a little underwhelming having been allowed to set a modest gallop, possibly needing it after 6 months off; soon led, headed 2f out, faded final 1f.

LAST WINTER (SAF) a borderline smart performer in South Africa, is best not judged on this first outing since leaving D. Kannemeyer after 20 months off, a little too fresh (reportedly fractious to saddle) and seemingly ill-served by a test of speed at this trip; waited with, not settle fully, pushed along 2f out, not quicken, never landed a blow; his next run should reveal more.