NEWBURY 14:15 y372u

All 11 ran.

Time: 2m 17.91s Closing Sectional: (4f): 46.7s (107.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 99.3%

A competitive Group 3 that looks very solid form, run at a good pace, giving them a chance from all positions, and there weren't any significant in-running problems.

DESERT ENCOUNTER (IRE) was top rated, third in the Eclipse on his penultimate start, and back in a lesser pattern race (ran in the King George last time) after an 8-week break he didn't need to be at his very best to win at this level for the first time, value for more than the winning marging though, readily picking his way through from the back and not doing a tap once in front; dropped out, travelled powerfully, headway when not clear run approaching 2f out, switched soon after and quickened to lead inside final 1f, idled late on, always holding on; he's likely to have one more run this year, with options abroad or possibly the Champion Stakes on these shores, and given his general consistency he's likely to give a good for all that winning a British Group 1 is probably beyond him.

SECOND STEP (IRE) deserves credit for his consistency this term, not out of the first 3 all year, revitalised by the change of yard after an underwhelming 2016 campaign; prominent, travelled better than most, challenged over 1f out, edged left, kept on final 100 yds.

SECRET NUMBER had plenty on under a double penalty but confirmed that he's back in top form, the best horse at the weights on the day, beaten only a length giving 5 lb to the first 2; chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, one paced.

ARCHITECTURE (IRE) is a talented filly, runner-up in the Oaks and Irish Oaks last year, and although a setback in the spring has curtailed this 4-y-o season she shaped encouragingly after 11 months off and clearly retains all of her ability; held up, headway under pressure out wide over 1f out, stayed on, nearest at the finish; she'll be suited by a return to 1½m in the Fillies and Mares on Champions Day.

FABRICATE found it tougher under a penalty for his Windsor win, this a deeper Group 3 as well, but he remains in good form; led, ridden when ed over 1f out, headed inside final 1f, no extra.

WINGINGIT (IRE) has improved with every run this year and, having been bought out of Noel Meade's yard since last seen 9 weeks ago, she seemed to excel herself up further in grade; steadied at the start, in rear, stayed on inside final 1f but was never dangerous; she stays well and it'd be no surprise to see her back up in trip next time.

ACROSS THE STARS (IRE) wasn't disgraced but hasn't scaled the same heights this year as last; chased leaders, ridden when snatched up over 2f out, lost place, not quicken.

MY DREAM BOAT (IRE) is struggling for form at present, not as good or reliable this year, and his attitude is under suspicion; mid-division, effort 3f out, chased leaders briefly, left behind final 1f.

WHAT ABOUT CARLO (FR) ran one of this season's lesser races; chased leader, struggling when short of room over 2f out, dropped away; seems best on softer ground.

DYLAN MOUTH (IRE) wasn't seen to best effect back down in trip after 11 weeks off; held up, outpaced early in straight, never on , needs the emphasis more on stamina.

SCARLET DRAGON who was without his usual hood, was keener than ideal without cover and ran one of this season's lesser races; raced wide, in touch, not settle fully, effort 3f out, hung left, close up 2f out, weakened.