CHELMSFORD CITY 15:00

Non Runners: VERY TALENTED (IRE).

Time: 2m 3.14s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.9s (102.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 103%

A valuable handicap for a mid-week card which saw a good turnout for the money and the form looks solid for all that a couple of potential improvers failed to meet expectations, 2 bang in-form sorts coming to the fore with the runner-up probably deseving of a bit of extra credit given his position in a race run at no more than an ordinary tempo.

BANDITRY (IRE) after just 4 days off, was in off the same mark as at Doncaster and went one better, deservedly gaining compensation for a very unfortunate defeat last time; tracked pace, travelled fluently, headway entering straight, led over 1f out, kept on well; faces a rise in the weights but is one to be interested in again.

BRIGLIADORO (IRE) again shaped well, is usually ridden like this his claimer definitely appeared to have an eye on the longer trip, doing well in a race that wasn't strongly run; dropped out, typically travelled well, still plenty to do entering straight, headway approaching final 1f, ran on, never nearer; will remain of plenty of interest.

MITHQAAL (USA) wasted no time getting back on track, not quite in the same form as for his Newmarket success but he was a bit keener than ideal over this slightly longer trip, leaving the impression that he'd have benefited from a stronger gallop; mid-field, raced freely, headway over 1f out, kept on; well worth another go at this trip, and to build on the form of his Silver Cambridgeshire success.

ABAREEQ possibly didn't face the headgear at Kempton as, with it left off this time, he wasted no time getting back to form, proving at least as good as ever; in touch, pushed along over 2f out, edged left, kept on.

PACTOLUS (IRE) ran creditably and had every chance, is holding his form well this year but, as a result, his mark looks about right; chased leaders, forced wide home turn, ridden when hung left over 1f out, one paced.

LUSORY well backed, ran creditably without being seen to best effect in first-time cheekpieces, showing lingering signs of immaturity and meeting trouble, hitting the line with more to give; slowly into stride and bustled along early, raced off the pace, headway when not clear run over 1f out, switched, kept on without being knocked about, never landed a blow; remains with potential.

RAISING SAND easy to back, wasn't disgraced back up in trip, though wasn't in the same form as for last couple of starts and a well-run mile may be more his thing for the time being; raced off the pace, effort over 1f out, bumped soon after, one paced, never landed a blow.

HAALAN attracted support but found run of good form coming to a halt, possibly just needing the run after 8 weeks off; led, headed over 1f out, weakened.

BEARDWOOD making all-weather debut, possibly finding the race coming too soon after just 4 days off, though has looked hard work in the past and the positive effect of the new trip may already be wearing off; in rear, off the bridle before most, never on terms.

MONTSARRAT (IRE) again finished well held, is struggling for form at present; pressed leader, folded early in straight.