SANDOWN PARK 15:50 6y3r2u

Non Runners: TULLIUS (IRE), ZAMBUCCA (SAF).

Time: 2m 4.47s

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 100.6%

A cracking renewal of the Eclipse in anticipation, with a stronger than usual 3-y-o representation in the first Group 1 clash between the generations at middle distances, though the race failed to deliver all that was expected, the first 3 the only ones ever seriously in contention, better positioned as the race unfolded, the winner showing form of a slightly below-average winner of the race; plenty of the others just weren't on song or were found wanting for stamina, though Kingston Hill would likely have done significantly better in a handier position, and after her performance last time it was surprising to see The Fugue dropped out so far off the pace.

MUKHADRAM only needed to match best form to notch first Group 1 victory, seen to maximum effect the way the race unfolded, better placed than most of his rivals, plenty of whom also just weren't on song on the day; tracked pace, travelled strongly, led 3f out, quickened clear, ridden final 1f, ran on; may well go for the King George next, his pedigree offering some encouragement that the longer trip may prove within reach.

TRADING LEATHER (IRE) wasted no time getting back to form returning from a break, this race suiting him much better than the Jockey Club Stakes, and this a good platform for a productive second half of the season; tracked pace, ridden over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, stayed on, made no impression, better placed than most.

SOMEWHAT (USA) seemed to excel himself, expected to be a pacemaker for the Godolphin runners but instead given a superb ride to his own advantage; led, headed 3f out, not quicken, held on well for third final 1f; he will do well to reproduce this form, everything perfect for him on the day.

KINGSTON HILL arriving on the back of his excellent second in the Derby, shaped better than the bare result, clearly would have benefited from being ridden closer to the pace given stamina is his strong suit and this trip on fast ground was always likely to be a bare minimum test for him; held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on well final 1f, nearest at the finish; is entered in the King George and would be a serious contender back up in trip, though a break in the hope of softer ground in the big autumn races may also be an option.

TRUE STORY came into this with something to prove and, back down in trip, ran creditably in first-time visor, though without suggesting he's likely to fully build on the big impression created when winning the Feilden Stakes so impressively on his return; waited with, not settle fully, not quicken over 2f out, kept on final 1f; this is probably his optimum trip.

THE FUGUE held excellent form claims on the strength of her impressive win at Royal Ascot but, though poorly placed given the way this developed, she was nowhere near her best in this race for the second year running, as last year failing to take the eye beforehand and not seeing her race out, suggestions that the ground was somehow to blame hard to credit; steadied in rear, travelled better than most, effort over 2f out, found little and no impression; bounced back from defeat here last year to win the Yorkshire Oaks and no reason why she won't do so again.

WAR COMMAND (USA) again in cheekpieces, wasn't disgraced over 2f longer trip, though he failed to build on his Ascot run as anticipated, looking short of pace; held up, pushed along early in straight, kept on final 1f; would probably benefit from a more positive ride and may yet better his form this season.

NIGHT OF THUNDER (IRE) didn't get home over 2f longer trip, ridden much more as he had been at Newmarket, lack of stamina all too apparent at the end; held up, travelled well, progress early in straight, not reach leaders, weakened final 1f; will prove best around 1m and should bounce back quickly.

VERRAZANO (USA) upped in trip, looked in tremendous shape beforehand but just wasn't in same form as last time, beaten before stamina came into play; waited with, ridden early in straight, folded; possibly isn't entirely straightforward and worth a try in headgear.