ASCOT 16:20

Non Runners: EARLY MORNING (IRE).

Time: 1m 44.63s

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99.9%

Quite a valuable handicap and it has the look of good form, the winner taking advantage of a handy mark starting out for a new stable, with a couple of 3-y-os filling the places; the runner-up had an uncontested lead but set a sound pace and the other 3 in the frame came from right out the back.

ENERGIA DAVOS (BRZ) a winner off just 1 lb lower at Haydock last season. was well equipped to cope with 1m trying the trip for the first time since his days in Brazil and looked as good as ever in coming out on top on first outing for 7 months/since leaving Marco Botti, impressing with the way he moved, going without the headgear he wore when last seen in Dubai in the winter; held up, travelled strongly, good headway approaching final 1f, led final 50 yds, ridden out; in this form, he's sure to go well again.

PUISSANT (IRE) gelded since last seen, was well backed tried in cheekpieces back from 4 months off and ran a cracker, going down fighting having set off in front, those tactics not necessarily an advantage given where the others in the frame came from; raced clear, went with zest, effort under 2f out, caught final 50 yds, kept on; he's still lightly raced enough to think there may be even more to come, while it's worth nothing that his high-class brother Adelaide was at his best over middles distances.

SECRET BRIEF (IRE) confirmed return to form, stepping back up in trip no problem, patient rides also looking to suit him the last twice; dwelt, dropped out, travelled well, headway approaching final 1f, ran on; he should continue to run well.

MARCRET (ITY) wasted no time getting back to form, essentially needing no excuses in a tough race; raced well off the pace, headway 2f out, chased leaders final 1f, one paced.

BIRDMAN (IRE) remains in good form and would've had more left for the finish but for taking a grip early, his mark still a workable one under the right circumstances; mid-division, took strong hold, effort under 2f out, no extra inside final 1f.

SPARK PLUG (IRE) back down in trip, produced a rare below-par effort, unsually tame at the business end, away from firmish ground for the first time this season; held up, headway 2f out, weakened final 1f.

GRATZIE ran poorly back in a handicap, caving in after having the first crack at the front-runner; led main group, chased leader 2f out, weakened final 1f.