The winning time of 59.76sec reflected that the course is riding faster than previously, and top Australian sprinter TAKEOVER TARGET was able to emulate his countryman Choisir, who took this race three years ago.

It was not the devastating bull-in-the-china shop performance of that horse, but nevertheless confirmed that the Oz raiders have to be given the utmost respect, with his compatriots also running with great credit.

Having raced prominently towards the centre, he went to front over 1f out and kept on strongly for a hard fought success. He could turn out again over the more suitable 6f of the Golden Jubilee, and the winner of 12 of his 19 starts could well complete the same double as Choisir.

Benbaun confirmed his position as one of the best home-grown performers over 5f as he just failed to peg back the winner. He came through strongly towards the stands' side over 1f out and was able to reverse recent Chantilly placings with Moss Vale; he looks sure to enjoy another lucrative season over this trip.

Pivotal Point ran his best race for some time and was another right in the firing line in the final furlong. He has had his problems but is a high-class performer at his best and looks sure to win a good race before too long.

Falkirk, countryman of the winner, gave the impression he will be better suited by the 6f of the Golden Jubilee and was probably finishing best of all. He raced in mid-division and stayed on well, and could make the winner fight all the way on Saturday to complete the double.

Dandy Man was soon close up on the far side and led overall over 2f out. He ran a blinding race for a three-year-old in an event in which the younger horses had scored only three times in the previous ten years. He could well have done better with a longer lead or with more company and looks a very progressive individual who will win race at the highest level. He could be still on the upgrade and may reverse placings with these rivals later in the season when he has developed more physically.

Glamour Puss, the third of the Australian contingent, ran a respectable race as she stayed on well towards the stands' side. She is another who is better over further, but ran as well as could be expected over this shorter trip.

Moss Vale neverlooked likely to follow up his successes at Chantilly and The Curragh and, although he has won on fast ground, may be just a little more effective on better ground nowadays. He kept on in the closing stages in an event in which a blanket could really have been thrown over several of the contenders, and he will certainly have other days at this level.

La Cucaracha raced in the far-side group and kept on after chasing the leader there for a long way, and she could improve for this first run since last September.

The Tatling seems to take longer to find his very best form these days, but gave a strong hint that he is coming back as he stayed on towards the far side after chasing the leader in that group throughout.

Les Arcs has been a credit to his handler. He stayed on well after being held up in the early stages and, although having had a busy campaign, still looks capable of adding to his score at a slightly lower level.

Ashdown Express ran a creditable race, but has shown in the past he is difficult to win with.

Tax Free was another who raced prominently on the far side and kept on; he looks capable of winning a Listed event, but may not be quite Group class.

Tabaret has early pace and remained prominent, but was weakening when clipping the heels of Resplendent Glory, who edged right when he started to weaken.

Orientor was brought down by the faller as he started to make progress after being behind.[TE]

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