DONCASTER 15:05 3d6d3j

All 11 ran.

Time: 3m 49.6s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.9s (103.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 99.5%

It's fair to say there's hardly a dearth of talent around in the staying division in general at the current time but with many of highest-rated performers in this sphere missing - Trip To Paris, Big Orange, Max Dynamite and Clever Cookie et al - this wasn't a strong renewal of the Doncaster Cup in of quality; it was, however, a wide-open contest that was run at a good gallop and it provided a solid result as a back-to-form Pallasator saw off a trio that have improved and made their mark in top-end handicaps previously this term.

PALLASATOR was the form pick if judged on the pick of his efforts in 2014 and, after a stuttering campaign to this point, he was back to something like his best to win at Group level for the first time, ittedly in a slightly substandard renewal of this race, but he can be given a bit of extra credit over the bare form for fending off a trio that all closed on him late from towards the back of the field; prominent, travelled well, led over 2f out, kept going well having made move earlier than other principals; the Long Distance Cup on Champion's Day will be a tougher task but he finished third, beaten less than 2 lengths, in it last year and will head there in peak form after a relatively light campaign.

CLONDAW WARRIOR (IRE) has come a long way in just 4 Flat outings this year, successful from a BHA mark of 89 at Royal Ascot (beat Fun Mac) in June, and he quickly bounced back from a below-par run in the Ebor (with hood refitted), resuming his progress with a smart effort to make his mark at pattern level; waited with, headway over 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, stayed on, never nearer; he'll continue to run well, including back over hurdles in the coming months in all likelihood, the level he's now achieving on the level giving potential to do better still in that sphere too.

SUEGIOO (FR) has his quirks and isn't the easiest to win with but he's run some cracking races in defeat this term, holding his form well of late, and back up in trip after finishing third in the Ebor he produced another excellent placed effort; raced off the pace, headway under pressure out wide over 2f out, chased leader entering final 1f, one paced; a good pace like he got here does suit him ideally.

FUN MAC (GER) is very much like the runner-up in that he's done a lot of improving in just a handful of starts this term, better than ever this day to hit the frame on his first try at pattern level; dropped out, headway under pressure out wide from 3f out, stuck to task, never nearer; he stays very well, best with the emphasis firmly on stamina, and it's not out of the question he has a bit more to offer yet, only a 4-y-o after all.

SIMENON (IRE) returned to form after a couple of laboured efforts, not back to his very best but showing much more zest, a bit too keen in fact, but for which he'd probably have had more of a say in the finish; tracked pace, took strong hold, close up over 2f out, weakened final 1f.

SEAMOUR (IRE) faced much his stiffest task to date, up markedly in grade, and although not quite ready for this level he ran respectably; chased leaders, driven over 2f out, faded; he should stay further than 2m, stamina not the issue here.

WILLIAM OF ORANGE who faced a stiff task in this grade, shaped as if still in good form, setting a good gallop against better-quality opponents than he'd faced before and paying the price once headed over 2f out, no extra.

HAVANA BEAT (IRE) produced a laboured effort and seems to be in a lull for now; mid-division, off the bridle before most, beaten over 2f out, made no impression.

KALANN (IRE) was seemingly flattered when third in this race 12 months ago, that effort a complete standout in his career, and he was well held returning from 3 months off this time around; mid-division, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, made little impression.

TIMES UP has struggled to make an impact all year, never on this day, and connections' decision to retire him after the race is no surprise.

TAWS is a really tough, likeable filly but was flying too high in this grade; chased leaders, off the bridle long way out, lost place over 3f out, no further impression.