ESOTERIQUE ((27, pace adjusted 40) failed to last home off a strong early gallop on the stiff course at Ascot. She also ran out of stamina when tackling 10 and a half furlongs in the Prix de Diane. But in winning the Group 1 Prix Rothschild she showed once more that in less taxing circumstances she can produce a terrific sprint finish that’s almost irresistible.

Esoterique lobbed along, last of the four runners early then came through smoothly when switched out for her run in the closing stages to win going away.