NEWBURY 15:40 2a2946

Non Runners: LIBRISA BREEZE, LAHORE (USA).

Time: 1m 35.07s Closing Sectional: (4f): 46.3s (102.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 99.4%

The first of 2 opportunities in Britain at Group 1 for older milers, before they are exposed to 3-y-os, this a race less prone than the Queen Anne to raiders from outside Britain and Ireland, despite the huge prize fund, and therefore one that tends to attract a large field, though this time it was one lacking an outstanding performer, the form having a solid look to it, that 2 relative veterans made the frame limiting the view taken.

RHODODENDRON (IRE) stepped up considerably on her reappearance, running as well as she ever has, coping surprisingly well with the drop back to 1m; handy, travelled well, effort 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well, all out to hold on; she'll presumably go for the Queen Anne next, though has alternative engagements at Royal Ascot if desired.

LIGHTNING SPEAR was as good as ever after 5 months off, agonisingly close to going one better than last year, clearly still a very smart miler, though with a race set up for him; waited with, travelled well, headway under 2f out, kept on well final 1f, just failed; while he may not get so good a chance at Group 1 level again, the apparent absence of an outstanding older miler this year means he could well be a contender in the Queen Anne.

LANCASTER BOMBER (USA) wasted no time getting back to form, with a run under his belt; chased leader, shaken up 3f out, edged left, not quicken 2f out, stayed on inside final 1f; he'd have place prospects again in the Queen Anne, though has an alternative engagement in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, if connections decide to step him up in trip.

DUTCH CONNECTION shaped as if retaining all his ability after 7 months off, impressing with the way he went through most of the race, every chance that he'll make an impact again back down at 7f; slowly into stride, held up, travelled well, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, not quicken well inside final 1f.

DEAUVILLE (IRE) was again below form, though probably best excused the run, effectively the pacemaker for the winner and the third; led, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final 1f.

ACCIDENTAL AGENT wasn't disgraced, up in grade, though never involved; slowly into stride, dropped out, headway over 1f out, kept on well, nearest at the finish; he's entered in the Queen Anne, but might be better off in the Royal Hunt Cup.

SUEDOIS (FR) shaped as if retaining plenty of ability after 7 months off, just leaving the impression the run was needed; held up, travelled well, effort over 2f out, no extra inside final 1f; he was a Grade 1 winner at Keeneland last autumn and presumably will be off on his travels again.

ADDEYBB (IRE) failed to meet expectations, for all that he was taking another step up in grade, a winner on good to firm last year, but clearly much improved on soft this and perhaps finding the return to firmer against him; in touch, shaken up 3f out, not quicken 2f out; he'd created a really good impression on his first 2 starts and will be worth another chance.

ALEXIOS KOMNENOS (IRE) lightly raced for his age, had plenty on up in grade and was well held after 8 months off; held up, took keen hold, labouring over 2f out.

LIMATO (IRE) unproven at the trip, had needed the run when below form in this in 2016 on one of his previous tries at 1m, but, even though he was returning 7 months off, that wasn't obviously the problem for another below-par effort, just not going so well as usual from a fair way out; in touch, ridden over 2f out, not quicken, weakened final 1f.

ZONDERLAND had had a restricted campaign in 2017 and was well held after 7 months off, too keen for his own good; in touch, pulled hard, ridden 3f out, weakened under 2f out.

BEAT THE BANK had made rapid progress prior to failing to meet expectations in the Queen Elizabeth II on Champions day and it was a similar story at that level again, making little impact after 7 months off, despite looking in good shape beforehand; held up, not settle fully, ridden halfway, made no impression.

ZABEEL PRINCE (IRE) was the least exposed in the line-up, worth his place at this much higher level, but he finished well held after 8 weeks off, not looking at ease on firmer ground than previously; prominent, ridden 3f out, hung left, weakened 2f out.

WAR DECREE (USA) is making up the numbers at this level; raced off the pace, no chance over 2f out.