NEWBURY 15:40 2a2946

All 14 ran.

Time: 1m 35.8s Closing Sectional: (4f): 47.3s (101.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 101%

The established older milers were all much of a muchness last year and with many of the same players still around, this first domestic Group 1 mile of the year had a familiar feel to it, 13 of the 14 runners covered by 5 lb in the Timeform adjusted ratings, only 3 of them without a run this year - all 3 shaped well and didn't run as if short of fitness - though one emerged from the pack, the winner, a 6-y-o, finding quite a bit of improvement seemingly, on just his second start at the highest level, given full credit for his effort, even if he had the rub of the green, those behind with their work cut out to reverse placings if he backs up this form in the Queen Anne.

MUSTASHRY produced a much-improved effort to win a Group 1 at just the second attempt, clearly a late developer who thrived last autumn, shaped well on his return and is only now showing his full ability; handy, shaken up over 2f out, led 1f out, in command soon after, kept on well, ridden out; he had things go his way, but there's no reason to think he won't be able to repeat this effort, a chance he will be underestimated in the Queen Anne.

LAURENS (FR) shaped as if retaining all her ability after 7 months off, faring a lot better than she had on her first run against males; close up, travelled well, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed soon after, stuck to task; she looked in fine shape beforehand, clearly fit enough to do herself justice, but this still sets her up for the campaign ahead, her work cut out to reverse placings with the winner at Royal Ascot but the top fillies races at 1m looking to offer potential further rewards at this level.

ACCIDENTAL AGENT hadn't been able to repeat his form in winning the Queen Anne in just 2 subsequent races last year, but ran a race full of promise after 8 months off, showing he's as good as that victory suggested; dropped out, still plenty to do 2f out, kept on well final 1f, nearest at the finish; he looked as if the race would bring him on and will clearly be no forlorn hope in his bid to repeat his Queen Anne success, though the winner here sets a higher standard.

ROMANISED (IRE) ran close to his best and didn't have the best of runs through, though he needs a bit more to make the breakthrough in the best races this summer; soon steadied, still plenty to do over 2f out, shaken up after, had to weave way through, kept on.

LE BRIVIDO (FR) shaped better than the bare result, building on his reappearance, likely to have finished second with the breaks, a good summer ahead of him; dropped out, travelled well, still plenty to do over 2f out, had to wait for gap, shaken up final 1f, kept on well, nearest at the finish.

I CAN FLY ran respectably, getting back on track under more familiar surroundings; held up, headway 2f out, not quicken final 1f; given her standout effort came at Ascot last year, she'll presumbly go there next month, the Duke of Cambridge the best option, though she may well get another try beyond 1m at some point (beaten by more than the trip in the Oaks).

SIR DANCEALOT (IRE) shaped encouragingly after 5 months off, making a promising forward move before the effort petered out, lack of stamina a likely explanation (raced almost wholly over shorter trips); held up, not settle fully, good headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, weakened; he holds a Diamond Jubilee entry, though was a bit below form in the race last summer.

OSTILIO was well held, soon put in his place once he lost the lead; led until over 2f out, weakened.

BILLESDON BROOK was overfaced and out a bit quick after Newmarket, no surprise to see her well held in the circumstances; handy, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out.

SHARJA BRIDGE reversed placings with Beat The Bank from Sandown, but that was no consolation as they both ran as badly as one another; held up, ridden 3f out, never on .

BEAT THE BANK ran poorly, with no obvious explanation for the effort, but the writing was on the wall a fair way out, whilst he hung left too (the poor runs in his career have all come on straight courses, though he has run well on them too); in touch, pushed along halfway, hung left, weakened over 1f out.

MYTHICAL MAGIC (IRE) was well held after 12 weeks off, back from Dubai; chased leaders, shaken up over 2f out, weakened.

LORD GLITTERS (FR) ran poorly, perhaps unsuited by racing a bit handier than is often the case, taking a strong hold; in touch, raced freely, ridden under 3f out, weakened soon after.

WITHOUT PAROLE in first-time blinkers, was amiss, losing his action; in touch, labouring 3f out, lost action and eased off.