While there is probably no such thing as a weak St James's Palace, this certainly wouldn't go down as a strong one. George Washington, such a spectacular winner at Newmarket, was the most notable absentee, but none of the first three that day were present, and nor was the winner of the French Guineas, George Washington's stablemate Aussie Rules. However, in terms of field size it was well up to scratch, and Araafa, who beat George Washington so comprehensively in the mud in the Irish Guineas, set a good standard. In addition, the Longchamp favourite Stormy River was a legitimate contender from France, whose last winner was Sendawar in 1999, Aidan O'Brien, though without either of his two Guineas winners, still mustered a three-pronged challenge, and the Irish Guineas third Decado was not out of things if he handled this very different ground.

In what proved a thoroughly uneventful affair, ARAAFA won with complete authority, confirming himself every bit as effective on fast ground as the heavy going that prevailed in Ireland and coming home far enough clear to suggest George Washington would have been no good thing to reverse placings, had he been fit to race. Alan Munro made much better use of the Ballydoyle pacemaker Arabian Prince than either ofthat colt's stablemates and had him in his sights all of the way, never worse than third and a clear second on the home turn, where Arabian Prince obligingly pulled right off the rail to allow him a clear run up the straight. As at The Curragh, Munro committed Araafa a fair way out, and once in front he was in complete command. He will go the obvious route now, with races like the Sussex Stakes and the QE II high on the list in a campaign that will hopefully lead him to the Breeders' Cup Mile. Although there remains a suspicion that high-class three-year-old milers are thin on the ground this year, there is no questioning this one's credentials now.

Stormy River did well to come from last place, having been held up in that position early on, then pushed along fairly vigorously, not travelling, from halfway and a bit detached from the rest beginning to take the turn. Given a smack before the 2f marker, he was still last going into the final 2f but did a tremendous amount of running up the inside totake second just inside the last and then keep on well through without threatening the winner. Connections subsequently concluded that whereas he had been too keen at Longchamp, he was too relaxed here, the work they had done at home to get him to settlehaving possibly been too successful. He now has the Moulin and the QE II on his agenda, and connections are adamant they will get the balance right next time. He therefore remains open to a bit of improvement.

Marcus Andronicus, held up to get the trip, was going as well as any bar the winner into the straight, and when asked to improve he made good ground on the outside to challenge for second. However, in the final furlong his effort flattened out and he was outstayed by his stable-mate. Although top 7f races are few and far between, he looks a likely type for one.

The Craven Stakes second, Metropolitan Man, seemingly much happier back on fast ground, plugged on from the rear to finish a highly creditable fifth, ahead of Yasoodd, who was beaten a bit further than he had been either at Longchamp or The Curragh, and the German Guineas winner Royal Power,who weakened quickly in the final furlong after racing prominently in the chasing group.

There was a big gap back to the rest, who were headed by Yarqus, who was out of his depth and never figured over this inadequate trip. The Irish Guineas thirdDecado was quickly chased up into a decent position after being none too well away, but he weakened quickly in the last 2f. Although another explanation may emerge, the obvious conclusion is that he didn't handle this quicker ground. Aeroplane was well enough placed into the straight but dropped away quickly. While he had a lot to prove, he should have been closer than this. The pacemaker, Arabian Prince was heavily eased when beaten. [GD]

Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.

Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.