QUEEN’S VASE (group 2)

BALLYDOYLE runners dominated the Queen’s Vase as Kew Gardens, 100/30, a little disappointing in the Derby, quietly shadowed stable-companion Nelson into the straight, took over when Ryan Moore asked him and drew clear to beat fellow-traveller Southern France – who came home in good style – by nearly five lengths. Nelson held third in a race where the home defenders made little or no impression.

Kew Gardens led twice at Epsom and had nothing left when the first two kicked for home. This stamina test from off the pace suited him much better, as did the faster ground.

He looks a relentless galloper and will surely be well fancied for the St Leger, if O’Brien chooses that route.

“We’ve been very happy with him since the Derby,” the trainer said. “Donnacha, who rode him there, thought taking your time on him a bit more might help and that’s what Ryan did. Southern France is still a big baby who is going to improve a lot as the year goes on. All three are bred to stay beyond a mile and a half.”

Moore, as careful and sparing with his words as always, said he thought the level track was at least as significant as the faster ground and that Doncaster would suit Kew Gardens well.