GOODWOOD 15:45

Non Runners: HORS DE COMBAT, ROOM KEY, JELLY MONGER (IRE).

Time: 2m 13.57s Closing Sectional: (4f): 51s (106.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 101.2%

A weak race for the grade with Basem below par and Wannabe Yours not convincing with his stamina, whilst David Livingston and Empire Storm were both returning from layoffs, all of which left the way clear for the quirky Battalion to record a workmanlike success; the gallop was on the steady side.

BATTALION (IRE) back in cheekpieces and ran right up to his best, putting together good runs back to back for a change and gaining his first success at this level on turf, clearly having no problems whatsoever with testing going; chased leader, tanked along, edged across to stand side in straight, bagging rail and leading over 2f out, tackled 1f out, kept on well; this was a weak race of its type and the form pick failed to fire though, so he's likely to find life tougher from now on, probably not up to defying a penalty at this level.

WANNABE YOURS (IRE) turned in best effort of the year and deserves some extra credit as he seemed to do so in spite of the longer trip, probably a miler for all that he is bred to stay this far; waited with, loomed up on bridle 2f out, effort 1f out, not pick up; looked set to climb a fair bit higher than listed level when on a roll last year so one to bear in mind now that he's back on track.

DAVID LIVINGSTON (IRE) on first outing since leaving M. F. De Kock after 21 months off, and just second run since September 2013, isn't easy to get a handle on but did at least shape as if a fair chunk of ability remains; in touch, shaken up 2f out, soon no match for principals but not given anything like a hard time; next run will reveal more about his current level.

BASEM found progression coming to an abrupt halt in first-time cheekpieces after 5 weeks off, neither the ground (full brother Farhh handled soft well) or the trip (beaten before that became an issue) really appealing as plausible excuses, just not on his game for whatever reason; mid-field, pushed along and labouring 3f out, left behind from 2f out; form of penultimate run is strong though, backed up by a good time whilst the winner has since scored at Grade 1 level in Canada, so well worth another chance.

EMPIRE STORM (GER) was below form after 7 months off; made running, initially raced alone towards far side in straight, headed over 2f out, edged left, dropped away; entitled to come on for this but isn't up to winning at this level in Britain, presumably being lined up for another trip to Dubai over the winter.