LINGFIELD PARK 15:55

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 35.93s

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.3%

A field that, in part at least, justified the better standard of AW handicap, and though it wasn't truly run the 'right' horses still came to the fore, So Beloved's rider enterprisingly taking the race by the scruff of the neck early on, capitalising on such an advantage, while the runner-up finished well too late.

SO BELOVED got his career right back on track, at the same time highlighting the kinks that have prevented him showing everything he's got, a bigger performance in him if and when he puts his mind to it, which is easier said than done; let stride on after a couple of furlongs, pressed home the advantage, made a decisive move 2f out, enough of a lead to get away with hanging fire under stronger pressure, flashing his tail; can't be trusted, but not the sort of horse to be laying either, given his latent ability.

YEAGER (USA) promised plenty with back-to-back wins midway through first season, but will confirm that and more this season judged on high promise of reappearance (has been gelded); poorly positioned as it went, last but one, finished in taking style, even if exaggerated slightly by the winner's antics; has the right profile to set about some of the better handicaps, unexposed and in his element in a strongly-run race, highlighted on the straight track at Ascot last summer; acts on firm ground, yet to face softer than good.

BUSTOPHER (USA) short price reflected profile rather than lenient mark, albeit with his Kempton form boosted since, and he ran better again here, still on an upward curve; led early, remained prominent after So Beloved went on, chased him hard from the home turn, unable to peg him back, lost second late on having been hampered by winner; all that has to be put in context, though, only the fourth race of his life and likely to take more from this than his experience in maidens; will be at least as effective back on turf, remembering his debut promise.

JACK OF DIAMONDS (IRE) didn't spring forward much if at all from reappearance, also giving some insight into why his last win was back in 2012, didn't really knuckle down, one paced (and looking rather ungainly) under pressure, though stronger gallop would have benefited him.

JACOB CATS still some way removed from best, but at least this was a step back in the right direction; mid-field, in touch home turn, no extra then, but the act of getting more competitive here may do something for him, potentially well handicapped these days.

ATLANTIS CROSSING (IRE) handicapped to the hilt now, therefore vulnerable, but equally wasn't fully on his game here, unusual for him on polytrack; had every chance, ridden in touch, but faded when it mattered.

MIA'S BOY age catching up with him, not so good nor consistent these days, and carried no threat here.

BROCKLEBANK (IRE) had finished adrift at Newbury, and can't have felt quite right here, the only explanation for the jockey's inactivity even as the race was taking shape, Brocklebank always last.