He and the runner-up simply ran away from their rivals from two out but both started to tire running up to the last. They got from there to the finish 2.6 seconds slower than they managed in the race where they went fastest in that section (Lac Fontana’s contest) and half a second slower than the next fastest, the much longer Cleeve where the runners were visibly tiring in the closing stages.

As a result of tiring Red Sherlock came under strong pressure for the first time in his three outings over timber. Jockey Tom Scudamore gave him two cracks of the whip and he flashed his tail both times. Soon after the last Scudamore simply rode him out vigorously without using the whip and he looked to respond better.

When he won a bumper at Ascot, Red Sherlock was also tired in the closing stages and flashed his tail as he was hit with the whip. Red Sherlock makes it clear he does not like being hit with the whip. It’s his way of telling his rider that he’s already doing his utmost and is annoyed at being asked to run faster.

I don’t think he’s ungenuine. However, I do think there’s always going to be a danger that in the heat of competition his riders are going to forget his aversion to being hit and this may cost him a length or two (it certainly seemed to at Ascot).

This run marks out Red Sherlock as one of the top contenders for the Neptune. It also suggests strongly than the two miles and five furlongs of that race is the limit of his stamina. My feeling at this stage is that the big field and competitive nature of the Neptune may find him out by ensuring he comes under pressure some way before the finish.

The runner-up Rathvinden (40) made the winner fight hard and is clearly a very useful performer. He might well be good enough to win the Neptune.