BIG Rock was the one horse at Ascot who quickened the pulse in terms of performance. Sure, King Of Steel’s win in the Champion Stakes was a real edge-of-the seat moment and will be remembered for its drama as well as its obvious place in history, but from a form perspective, it was arguably no better than he’d achieved in defeat in the Derby or the Irish Champion Stakes.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes was the strongest race on the card in terms of the achievements of those who lined up, and while a couple of the multiple Group 1 winners in the field shaped as if over the top for the season, there is little doubt that the winner emerged as a true champion, and one we can look forward to seeing plenty more of.