ASCOT 15:40 725c5k

Non Runners: KHAADEM (IRE), MONDAMMEJ.

Time: 58.25s Closing Sectional: (2f): 23.35s (99.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 102.5%

The anticipated match between the best the USA and Australia had to offer didn't materialise, Golden Pal trailing in last having botched the start, but even on top form he'd surely have struggled to live with Nature Strip, who produced an effort rivalled in the King's Stand in recent years only by Lady Aurelia and Blue Point, his win by a remarkably wide margin for a 5f race on firmish ground hammering home the difference between a genuinely top-class performer and the rather mediocre bunch that currently contest this division in Britain and Ireland; the pace was sound and the focal point of the race was nearer the stand side, the winner in front there by halfway and those drawn very low up against it; Golden Pal's slow start wasn't the only early drama, as Mondammej refused to enter the stalls and Khaadem left them without his rider, the latter declared a non-runner by the stewards.

NATURE STRIP (AUS) a prolific winner at the top level in Australia, became the fifth winner of this race from Down Under and the first since Scenic Blast in 2009, suring the achievements of any of those predecessors with an oustanding performance among the very best seen in a sprint in Europe in recent seasons; he broke a little awkwardly but was soon powering along in a perfect position just behind the pace-forcer, eased into the lead at halfway and left his rivals for dead over 1f out, extending his advantage right through the final furlong; he's got the option attemtping to do a 'Choisir' in the Platinum Jubilee, hard to see what will beat him in that in this sort of form, though his trainer also has Home Affairs for that race and didn't immediately commit to the double.

TWILIGHT CALLS ran another fine race, never anywhere near the winner but typically travelling smoothly off the pace after a slowish start, making good progress over 1f out and knuckling down well to claim second in the dying strides; there's no doubt that there's a really good race in him the day things drop just right.

ACKLAM EXPRESS (IRE) ran a cracker at a huge price, proving at least as good as ever, ideally placed tracking to the winner and keeping at it despite losing second late on; he hasn't won since his 2-y-o days but has kept some tough company and a listed or minor pattern race will be his best chance of ending that losing run.

MOONEISTA (IRE) remains in good form, faring better than she had in 2 tries at this level in 2021; mid-field, headway entering final 1f, took fourth near line.

EQUILATERAL absent through injury since starting 2021 in top form in Dubai, shaped as if retaining all his ability back from 15 months off and has more good wins in him assuming he comes out of this okay; mid-field, effort 2f out, kept on.

SAINT LAWRENCE (IRE) ran creditably, no better or worse for first-time blinkers and essentially just not up to this level; dropped out, effort 2f out, kept on final 100 yds, never a threat.

KING'S LYNN is better judged on previous form, rather marooned off the pace in the centre of the track and unsurprisingly unable to get involved.

MAN OF PROMISE (USA) twice ran to a very smart level in Dubai early in the year but was below form running in Britain for the first time since 2020, not ideally placed in the centre and never threatening to improve from mid-field on his first go at 5f; it remains to be seen if he can reproduce his Meydan form in Europe, though returning to 6f is likely to help.

LAZULI (IRE) was below form after 4 months off; mid-division, effort 2f out, not quicken.

TIS MARVELLOUS ran no better than on return, not that he's up to this level anyway; mid-division, ridden over 2f out, made no impression.

EXISTENT again ran below form, faced with a stiff task and also perhaps not ideally placed nearest the stand rail; soon steadied, ridden over 2f out, made no impression.

ARECIBO (FR) can have a line put through this run, up against it in the group of 2 towards the far side, the headway he made briefly suggesting he's still in form; raced far side, held up, effort 2f out, never a threat.

PONNTOS (IRE) didn't have Dettori this time and failed to repeat his Longchamp effort, that a massive standout on his overall record; led until halfway, weakened over 1f out.

WINTER POWER (IRE) ran even worse, little chance ittedly leading the group of 2 towards the far side, though it's difficult to know what she's capable of at the moment, having failed to show her form in 4 outings since winning the Nunthorpe; raced far side, led group, weakened over 1f out.

LOGO HUNTER (IRE) was well held, firmish ground and the level of competitvie both reasons why; held up, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten.

GOLDEN PAL (USA) was all the rage in the betting but met with defeat for the third time in as many starts in Britain, a very slow start meaning his race was effectively over as soon as it began, his rider's decision to rush him prominent in the first 1f rather than ride a race ending whatever slim chance that might've remained.