YORK 16:05

Non Runners: FLYING OFFICER (USA). Race Distance Adjustment: -31 yds

Time: 3m 1.12s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.7s (106.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 103.7%

Flying Officer was withdrawn after getting loose on the way to post, leaving just 5 runners and a rather underwhelming renewal of this Group 2 contest, and with no usual front-runner amongst them it proved to be a bit of a muddling race, things not beginning in earnest until around 3f out.

CLEVER COOKIE didn't need to improve on his best recent form to land what ended up a substandard Group 2, running to an identical rating as he had in the Sagaro, but first-time cheekpieces did seem to give him more focus and this is the most prestigious win of his career at a track where he's built up a tremendous record; in touch, had to wait for gap over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, led entering final 1f, kept on well and proved determined; he's still in the Ascot Gold Cup but wouldn't be certain to head to the Royal meeting and no doubt later in the year he'll be back here for such as the Lonsdale Cup.

CURBYOURENTHUSIASM (IRE) progressed well in handicaps in 2015, winning 3 times including the Mallard when last seen 8 months ago, and he picked up where left off last season, improving again to prove himself at Group level, arguably shaping best; dwelt, in rear, headway over 3f out, stayed on well, nearest at the finish; he'd have benefited from a stronger gallop and will definitely be suited by 2m+, another step up in trip surely on the cards now.

SECOND STEP (IRE) failed to see things out when he tried this trip on the Irish St Leger last year and, even in a steadily-run race, he didn't convince with his stamina here, admittedly after 7 months off, but he looked tuned to the minute in the paddock and had won first time out in each of the last 2 years; prominent, travelled well, led over 2f out, headed entering final 1f, no extra final 100 yds, outstayed; he's best around 1½m and will no doubt drop back next time.

SUEGIOO (FR) wasn't seen to best effect in a tactical affair back down in trip; in touch, outpaced over 2f out, plugged on, unsuited by the way the race developed.

GLARING failed to come on for recent run and it's a little disconcerting that the tongue strap was fitted; dictated, not settle fully, headed over 2f out, folded.