CHELMSFORD CITY 18:15

Non Runners: SOLAR DEITY (IRE).

Time: 2m 2.33s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.25s (101.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.2%

A bit of a disappointing turnout considering the money on offer, but the result looks a solid one nonetheless, with the bang in form Bancnuanaheireann just prevailing after a good scrap with the unexposed runner-up; the pace was fair and things developed far enough out to ensure this was a good test.

BANCNUANAHEIREANN (IRE) under a 6 lb penalty for his C&D success just over a week ago, proved better than ever as he produced a smart effort to follow up and clearly remains in the form of his life; mid-field, travelled well, headway over 2f out, led soon after, tackled early in straight, dug deep under pressure, all out; his last 2 win haven't come in especially strong races, and may find life that bit tougher now that he'll be forced into tackling deeper company.

SPANISH SQUEEZE (IRE) gelded since last seen, improved further after 7 months off and may have even prevailed had he not been so eager early on, but either way there's no hiding how well he shaped, clearly on a good mark; soon steadied, not settle fully, headway out wide 2f out, challenged from early in straight, battled on well, just failed; may do better still and shouldn't be long in making up for lost time after what has been a rather truncated campaign.

MERRITT ISLAND shaped as if still in good form but was 19 lb higher than when last contesting a handicap and this kind of mark looks on the stiff side; in touch, effort early in straight, made no impression.

LOVELY MEMORY (IRE) there remains a sense of unfinished business about her, the step up to this trip possibly the key with which to unlock some of the talent we're yet to see, but she couldn't show it on this occasion having met trouble, the effort best excused as a result; waited with, ridden early in straight, keeping on when hampered approaching final 1f, switched but not recover; will remain one to be interested in.

CROQUEMBOUCHE (IRE) made the winner pull out all the stops last time but, despite a 7 lb pull in the weights, there wasn't anything like the same level of resistance on his part this time around, and may have found this coming a bit too soon; made running, headed over 2f out, faded.

BINT DANDY (IRE) was behind the winner last time too but got much closer on that occasion, just not in the same form here; tracked pace, challenged 3f out, weakened entering final 1f.

STENCIVE had obviously had his problems to have been off for well over 2 years and offered little on first outing since leaving William Haggas; in rear, raced freely, left behind early in straight; had been gelded since last seen, incidentally.