CHELMSFORD CITY 15:40

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 4.06s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.3s (108.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 122%, Betfair SP 98.9%

A smart performance from the progressive winner, Poet's Word set to be plying his trade at a higher level this term and doing this in good style, the form in behind him looking solid for the grade; the pace was on the modest side.

POET'S WORD (IRE) progressed throughout last year and picked up where he left off after 7 months off, a sign of intent than he's up and running so early in the year, turning in a smart effort to resume winning ways with something in hand, Moore not having to get serious with him in order to put it to bed; tracked pace, had to wait for gap home turn, switched early in straight, stayed on to lead inside final 1f, pushed out; shapes as though he'll be even better at 1½m and he remains with potential, well worth a crack at a higher level sooner rather than later.

INTRUDE without the headgear this time and with rider putting up 1 lb overweight, was ridden more prominently on this occasion, an advantage as it went, and ran up to best, losing out to a progressive sort; close up, every chance entering straight, kept on; he acts on turf, lower in the weights on that surface, but is better on all-weather and is fairly treated now, only 1 lb higher than for his last success.

PACTOLUS (IRE) again ran well though was seen to good effect once more, having the run of the race; led, not settle fully, tackled entering straight, headed inside final 1f, no extra.

ROCKSPIRIT (IRE) ran creditably after 6 months off, entitled to be sharper for the outing and leaving the impression that the emphasis on speed didn't play to his strengths; mid-field, travelled fluently, had to wait for gap home turn, kept on; he's only been tried once at 1½m, likely to benefit from a return to that trip, and he may yet have more to offer this year, still low mileage and progressive last term.

BROROCCO shaped as if retaining ability after 7 months off, poorly placed and not seen to best effect; dwelt, in rear, raced freely, had to wait for gap home turn, kept on, not knocked about; he's a quirky sort but, as on his final start last year, left the impression that there's a bigger performance in the locker under the right circumstances, and is one to keep an eye on.

QAFFAAL (USA) ran respectably, though found life a bit tougher in a stronger handicap than those he's been contesting this winter; mid-field, shaken up entering straight, one paced.

FIRE FIGHTING (IRE) wasn't disgraced back in a handicap, never threatening though he wasn't ideally placed; raced off the pace, headway on outer home turn, one paced.

ICE ROYAL (IRE) back in headgear, found his run of good form coming to a halt, the trip seeming to stretch him this time, whilst it was also a better race than he need contest; raced wide, prominent, weakened approaching final 1f.

DIANA LADY (CHI) wearing a tongue strap on this occasion, fared no better than last time; raced wide, held up, off the bridle before most, weakened over 2f out.