Head delighted with 'special' Solow Freddy Head was succinct in his appraisal of the prolific Solow following his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory at Ascot, simply describing him as "brilliant". Showing no signs of a long season catching up with him, the talented five-year-old turned in another performance of the highest quality to silence any lingering doubters and claim an emphatic fifth successive Group One victory in the mile contest. The much-anticipated clash between Head's gelding and English and Irish 2000 Guineas hero Gleneagles was given the chance to be played out, with Aidan O'Brien handing the three-year-old the green light to make his first start since scoring in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting in June. In truth, though, there was only ever going to be one winner from a long way out, with Gleneagles, who had bypassed four other engagements on account of unsuitable ground, clearly not in love with conditions, leaving the anticipated duel failing to materialise. Last year's Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park ensured stamina limitations would be exposed in setting a furious pace, with Kodi Bear tracking in behind and Solow positioned a close-up third. With the gallop a more than generous one it was clear those forcing it would pay the penalty later and so it proved, with Head's superstar hitting the front entering the final furlong as both Elm Park and Kodi Bear wilted. While not pulling away victory for Solow was never in doubt once in command, as the 11-10 favourite ground it out in the manner everyone has now become accustomed to. Although a rejuvenated Belardo finished with a rare rattle from the back of the field, Maxime Guyon had matters well under control with a comfortable three-quarters of a length separating the pair at the post. Head said: "What can I say? He always gives the same sort of race and is a brilliant horse. "He is a miler, but he stays. He is a tough miler with a lot of stamina and you don't have to ride him to get it. He can go from a long way out and gallop on. "Maxime was very happy with him and said that was his best win since his win in the Queen Anne. "He's very special. To be able to keep his form like that all year with all those journeys he's made and every racecourse. "He's very sound, he's easy to train and does whatever you want at home. "He is now going to have a rest and will go back to his owners' stud for a few weeks and then come back to my yard. We will try to get him ready for Dubai next year and come back to try to win the same races." Guyon said: "It's amazing, it's very easy - he's the best. "He loved the ground and he can go anywhere, in front or behind. For a jockey, it is very simple." Belardo's recent return to form has secured him another year in training.
