LONGCHAMP 14:50 32u2

All 12 ran.

Time: 1m 40.15s

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 104.2%

With Poetic Flare failing to run close to his Newmarket form in his bid for a quick Guineas double this would have been a very ordinary renewal but for the presence of last year's top 2-y-o St Mark's Basilica, reappearing here instead of in the 2000 Guineas, being a French-bred colt perhaps a factor in that decision, and giving Aidan O'Brien his fifth win in this contest. The pace was slower than in the fillies' equivalent, which probably didn't suit Poetic Flare, resulting in the field still being tightly grouped 2f out, while Normandy Bridge suffered worst in some scrimmaging towards the rear after about 3f.

ST MARK'S BASILICA (FR) after 7 months off since ending last season as the top 2-y-o with victory in the Dewhurst, came here instead having been 2000 Guineas favourite over the winter and picked up where he left off when last seen; mid-division towards outer, pushed along entering straight, didn't pick up immediately but showed a good change of pace for a couple of cracks to lead last ½f, well on top finish; he remains capable of better and could be aimed next at the Prix du Jockey Club, a trip he should stay.

COLOSSEO (USA) up in grade, showed improved form; tracked pace after leading/disputing for first 2f, led again over 1f out, headed inside final 1f, one paced; he won a maiden at Lyon Parilly on his debut last year and had run his best race previously when third to Breizh Eagle in a minor event over this course and distance last month.

BREIZH EAGLE (FR) lost his unbeaten record up in grade but ran his best race, held up and then putting in his best work at the finish; he might be worth a try at further than 1m given the way he shaped here and is capable of winning more races with his sights lowered; he'd been giving weight to today's runner-up when completing a hat-trick in a minor event over this course and distance last month.

POLICY OF TRUTH (FR) duly improved again but not enough to have a major say; mid-division, took strong hold, effort over 1f out, kept on; he never saw much daylight here and he may still have more to offer.

PARCHEMIN (IRE) stepped up on his reappearance to run much his best race; mid-division, progress 2f out, kept on, run out of the places only close home.

POETIC FLARE (IRE) after 15 days off, was bidding for a Guineas double but wasn't in the same form as last time, possibly finding this coming too soon but also shaping as though a stronger gallop would have suited him; tracked pace, ridden along behind leaders 2f out but couldn't quicken once getting daylight, stayed on; it's a surprise he holds a Commonwealth Cup entry, as well as one in the St James's Palace, a step up in trip much more likely to suit than a drop down if he's not kept at 1m.

NORMANDY BRIDGE (FR) is bred to be suited by 1¼m+ and ran that way too; slowly into stride, took strong hold towards rear, bumped after 2f, pushed along early in straight, short of room briefly 2f out, stayed on well.

SEALIWAY (FR)

PRINCE LANCELOT

EASTER (FR) slowly into stride.

MEHMENTO (IRE) failed to stay going up in both trip and grade; ridden along to dispute the early running before going on after 2f or so, ed 2f out, weakened soon after.

SUMMITER (IRE)