LEICESTER 16:10

Non Runners: STARBOARD. Race Distance Adjustment: +17 yds

Time: 1m 44.82s

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99.8%

Decent prize money on offer for this useful contest but the fact that 5 of them finished on top of one another is indicative of an average-handicapped bunch and it's unlikely to prove strong form, nor the most solid perhaps, with the winner ending up on what was probably the best ground.

LOVING SPIRIT was effectively 4 lb out of the weights but belatedly gained a first handicap win, more than 4 years after his sole previous success that had come on debut, back to his best in performance terms, although there is a chance that he's flattered on the day, ending up on what may well have been the best ground towards more towards the near side than the rest; raced off the pace, off the bridle before most, hung left 2f out, stayed on strongly and led in the dying strides; he's one to be taking on next time.

DARK EMERALD (IRE) has improved both his form and consistency this year and continues in good heart, close to defying 2 lb rise for recent Newmarket win; disputed lead, went with enthusiasm, edged into clear lead around 2f out, collared late on by one that ended up much more towards the near side; likely to continue in form, but will be vulnerable if given a crack at some of the more competitive handicaps around.

CORDITE (IRE) looked on a stiff mark making handicap debut but was claimer ridden to ease the burden somewhat and ran his best race to date, back at the track where he won his maiden last year; close up, driven approaching 2f out, every chance final 1f, kept on; it is worth pointing out that he proved his effectiveness in the mud last year but hasn't raced under such conditions this season.

FIRE SHIP ran creditably on his first handicap run this season and was unlucky not to finish a bit closer; chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, keeping on when short of room well inside final 1f; he can generally be relied upon to give his running.

BOOM AND BUST (IRE) returned to form but needs no excuses and just doesn't seem any better than this nowadays, understandable that he's regressed a little at his age; handy, not settle fully, ridden over 2f out, kept on.

SPA'S DANCER (IRE) was below form back in handicap company, typically slowly into stride and never on terms; it's hard to knock him too much given various good efforts he's put in this season, but he has a few quirks and is quite hard to win with.

BOLD PREDICTION (IRE) had plenty on under these conditions, effectively 6 lb out of the weights, but ran one of poorer races of the season even so; disputed lead, driven over 2f out, weakened over 1f out; may be ready for a break, having had plenty of racing in 2014.

DAY OF CONQUEST produced a laboured effort, form this year has been patchy; raced off the pace, off the bridle before most, never on terms.