A SMALL but select field went to post for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and it saw Adayar produce a huge performance to join the exclusive club of three-year-olds to add the Group 1 prize to the Derby, a feat last achieved by the mighty Galileo.

The early stages of the race influenced the race more than the middle section as Broome dwelt when the stalls opened, with both Adayar (127) and Love (121) jumping smartly.

If the tactics were for Broome (109) to make the running to benefit Love then all plans were up in the air until Wayne Lordan circled the field to take up the running.

It was a manoeuvre that benefitted Adayar as William Buick was able to settle the Derby winner who had been keen to that point, covering three of the four opening furlongs in less than 12 seconds apiece. It is questionable as to whether the son of Frankel would have produced his devastating finishing effort had he been left on the lead.

In the meantime, Mishriff (124) was settled at the back of the field as he sought to repair his reputation left somewhat tarnished by his Coral-Eclipse display.

Big three

As the field rounded for home, Broome was a spent force but the big three had all enjoyed their desired trip and were poised to challenge.

Adayar was the first to strike for home as the trio fired a sub-12 second 10th furlong, the fastest being by Mishriff who drew level with the winner courtesy of his 11.35 second sectional. Love, head to one side, couldn’t muster the speed to get on terms.

From the two-furlong marker Adayar was just simply too strong, maintaining his 11.56 second 10th furlong through the 11th before a 12.18 second final furlong completed a closing sectional of 35.30 seconds.

Mishriff (35.39 seconds) posted the slowest final furlong (12.41 seconds) backing up the visual impression that Love (12.31 seconds) was gaining towards the line. The daughter of Galileo recorded a closing sectional of 35.81 seconds.

Fastest

The overall race time is the fastest middle-distance race of the season on my numbers, and I would see no reason why the form should be reversed in the future given the authority with which Adayar won.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe looks the obvious end of season target if supplemented, where he may be joined by stablemate Hurricane Lane (121) should Godolphin let both take their chance.

If there is a danger at Ballydoyle then it is Snowfall (120+) who would benefit from all the allowances and would already be the equal of Love’s performance without being fully extended.