Timeform

🇮🇪🏆 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗜 produced one of the best performances in the Irish Derby in recent times, running to a rating of 124p (up 6lb) at the Curragh, on Sunday.

📊 That rating has only bettered once in the last 10 runnings of the race, by the Ralph Beckett-trained Westover (127) in 2022.

The son of Frankel put the events at Epsom behind him to confirm the big impression made at Chester, the return to a sounder surface very much in his favour and probably value for a bit more than the winning margin, appearing to do just enough once in front.

There's very little between himself and stable companion Constitution River on ratings but it seems unlikely that the pair will meet anytime soon, Constitution River seeming set for the Eclipse, while the King George looks the obvious target for Benevenuto Cellini.

🗣️ Timeform's Irish handicapper Billy Nash said: “Benvenuto Cellini quickly got back on the up with conditions more in his favour, producing one of the best performances on Timeform ratings in this race in recent times, Westover (127) in 2021 the only one in the last 10 runnings to eclipse Benvenuto Cellini's new mark of 124p.

“Westover went from the Irish Derby to the King George and that race looks a logical next step for Benvenuto Cellini, although it almost goes without saying that Aidan O'Brien has no shortage of ammunition for the big middle-distance prizes.”

For the second year running, Aidan O’Brien has now won all three of Europe’s major Derbies as part of a wider domination of this year’s classics.

There’s nothing between Benvenuto Cellini and Prix du Jockey Club winner Constitution River (also rated 124p).

The highest-rated horses in the world right now according to the Timeform ratings 🌎📊

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🏆🔵⚪️ The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes went to ALMERAQ (up 6lb to 120) who edged the verdict in a four-way photograph.

A pair of bona fide Group 1 contenders filling the places, JOLIESTAR (remains on 121) from Australia and SATONO REVE (remains on 123) from Japan, who dominated the market in a fascinating renewal of Britain's best sprint.

The runner-up is rated as performing slightly below the level he achieved in this race last year, his performance still a compliment to the outstanding Ka Ying Rising - hopefully the draw of a million-pound pot and the glamour of the fixture enough to tempt that one's connections to the meeting next year.

Meanwhile, the July Cup will be the obvious next port of call for the winner, and many in behind him.