YORK 15:40

Non Runners: GLENEAGLES (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: -42 yds

Time: 2m 9.92s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.35s (105%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 101.4%

An eagerly-awaited renewal of the Juddmonte International, all set for a clash between dual Guineas and St James' Palace Stakes winner Gleneagles, the Derby and Eclipse winner Golden Horn and the exciting, unexposed Time Test - amongst others as well of course - but the race was dealt a blow just before racing started at York with the news that Gleneagles wouldn't take his chance after overnight rain had eased the ground, and it's fair to say that in the event the race failed to live up to expectations too; Dick Doughtywylie was put in the race purely to act as pacemaker for the same connections' Golden Horn but he was in a clear lead and being ignored by the others after 2f, the main pack going a modest tempo, headed by Arabian Queen, and as such it proved to be a tactical affair, underlined by the ordinary timefigure for a Group 1.

ARABIAN QUEEN (IRE) caused a major shock, the first filly to win this race since Oh So Wonderful in 1998, and although she'd run really well to be placed in the Nassau last time it was hardly an effort that pointed to her having the beating of the best 3-y-o colts around, expertly ridden by Silvestre De Sousa to get the maximum out of her in a tactical race, but even allowing for that she's clearly found plenty of improvement and relished this slight further increase in trip; De Sousa had her in prime position throughout, ignoring the pacemaker and setting a modest tempo in the race in earnest, taking a keen hold as usual but not over-racing like Golden Horn, and after taking it up under 2f out she was almost immediately challenged by the runner-up but dug really deep and showed a cracking attitude to fend him off; she may well be given a break now and be prepared for the fillies' and mares' Group 1 on Champions Day, that over 1½m, and she gives the impression that she'll probably stay that far, plus she's out of multiple 1½m-winner Barshiba.

GOLDEN HORN lost his unbeaten record, not at his best even though beaten only narrowly, but we know that he's better than this form suggests, shown right the way through this season, and the rather muddling nature of the race was his undoing, simply too keen until around the halfway point to be able to see things as strongly as he has in the past; after making the running in the Eclipse there was another change of tactics, sat handy in 3rd place, but as soon as they left the stalls he was racing too freely and seemed to want to be allowed his head again, not settling until they entered the straight, making headway soon after and throwing down a strong challenge from over 1f out, but once there he could only keep on without ever passing Arabian Queen, a neck down more or less throughout the final 1f; this defeat shouldn't overshadow his other top-class form and achievements and he'd still be worthy of the utmost respect wherever he turns up next, with several Group 1 options to consider at 1¼m and 1½m.

THE GREY GATSBY (IRE) didn't show his very best form, likely to have benefited from a stronger pace like a few of these, but it was still yet another creditable placed effort in Group 1 company and he's a tough, reliable sort who'll continue to hold his own at this level; mid-division, chased leaders over 2f out, driven soon after, one paced and never landed much of a blow on first 2; he won the Irish Champion Stakes last year and is likely to bid to do the same again next time, so long as the ground isn't on the soft side.

TIME TEST created a big impression at Royal Ascot (form of which has taken several knocks since) and, although this perhaps dents his reputation to some extent, he is worth another chance, firmer ground possibly ideal even though he won a maiden on softish at 2, whilst moreover the way the race developed didn't suit him, attempting to come from last place; dropped out, headway over 3f out, switched over 1f out, kept on and was edging closer to The Grey Gatsby at the line; he can make a bigger impact in Group 1 company another day.

DICK DOUGHTYWYLIE seems to have run a career best on his first start for 14 months, beaten little more than 5 lengths, but whilst it suggests he retains his ability after the absence his proximity is flattering and underlines that this is bare form to treat with a degree of caution; he was in as pacemaker to Golden Horn, soon in a clear lead but ignored by the others, headed under 2f out and one paced.

CRITERION (NZ) hasn't been at his best on either start in Britain, cheekpieces tried instead of blinkers here, but he took a strong hold in rear and never landed a blow.

COUGAR MOUNTAIN (IRE) clearly wasn't 100% on the day, just 6 days after winning a Group 3 at Leopardstown; held up, struggling 3f out, eased off.