GROUND conditions had started to dry out by Friday and the times and sectionals reflected that. In context, this was the best day of the five for fast timefigures, starting with Japan’s impressive 120-rated win in the King Edward VII Stakes.

Judged solely by the closing stages, Japan does not deserve upgrading as his 100.7% finishing speed was close to par. But this was a race of three acts, with a fast opening half-mile – about eight lengths quicker than optimum – a steady middle section which gave most of that difference back, and that fairly standard finish. That early section should have cost even those held up off the pace, as Japan and 112-rated runner-up Bangkok were.