YORK 15:35 2e5w17

All 7 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +32 yds

Time: 2m 12.11s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.65s (104%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 100.4%

Although only 7 lined up this was a deep and competitive renewal of the International Stakes, 5 of them previous Group 1 winners, including Ulysses and Barney Roy who’d fought out a thrilling Eclipse earlier in the summer, ed by dual Guineas-winner Churchill, that trio topping the pre-race ratings, and in a cracking race none of them disappointed on the day, clear in the first 3 positions, and it was a top-class performance from Ulysses to be comfortably on top at the line; Cliffs of Moher soon took up the running and, pressed by Barney Roy, and they ensured a fair pace and it was a no-excuses race.

ULYSSES (IRE) had his optimum test, a well-run race back at 1¼m, and with a perfect ride to boot he proved better than ever to add another Group 1 to his name, more emphatic than in the Eclipse and hitting the top-class 130-barrier for the first time in of his Timeform rating; mid-division, travelled powerfully, smooth headway 3f out, loomed up 2f out, produced to lead entering final 1f and driven clear; the Breeders Cup Turf is reportedly his main target now and that should be another very suitable test for him.

CHURCHILL (IRE) didn't fire for whatever reason at Royal Ascot, nothing reported to have come to light, but that was the only blip of his career so far and he bounced straight back to form after a 9-week break (missed the Sussex Stakes in the interim period after torrential rain left the ground heavy); chased leaders, challenged over 2f out, every chance still 1f out, kept on, no match for winner.

BARNEY ROY deserves credit for his consistency at the highest level all summer, performing every single start, close to his best again here for all that it wasn't as tight between him and Ulysses as it had been in the Eclipse, made more use of this time; pressed leader, went on 3f out, edged left, headed entering final 1f, no extra and lost second final 50 yds.

CLIFFS OF MOHER (IRE) put up his best performance when second in the Derby, that his sole try at 1½m, and going back up in trip will suit, running respectably here but not fast enough to keep on with a classy trio; led, ridden when headed 3f out, outpaced over 1f out and no match for principals;

DECORATED KNIGHT has had a brilliant season, winning two Group 1s, but both the Eclipse and this have been deeper races and he's struggled, this one of his lesser recent efforts; in touch, driven over 2f out, weakened over 1f out.

SHUTTER SPEED started the season with a smooth defeat of Enable over this trip but hasn't progressed as much as looked likely since, disappointing here for all that it was a stiff task, keen held up and hanging right when struggling over 2f out, looking awkward (possibly amiss) and making no impression; the fact she's tongue tied now is a bit disconcerting, too.

MY DREAM BOAT (IRE) was well held in first-time visor and there's a suspicion that temperament has crept in; in rear, struggling over 3f out, looked half-hearted, made no impression.