MUSSELBURGH 14:40

Non Runners: LONDON PRIZE. Hurdles: 9. Race Distance Adjustment: +22 yds

Time: 3m 34.9s Closing Sectional: (3.4f): 45.3s (103%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 105%, Betfair SP 99.7%

A trio of useful novices filled the first 3 places, Lough Derg Spirit aided by a well-judged front-running ride to come out on top.

LOUGH DERG SPIRIT (IRE) progressed again after 8 weeks off, maybe the best horse at the weights on the day, anyway, but a good ride certainly helping him prove it, as at Kempton really impressing with his jumping, all of which augurs well for when he goes chasing, which will presumably be sooner rather than later given his connections/pointing background; made running, jumped fluently, kicked on early in straight, responded well, well ridden.

PETER THE MAYO MAN (IRE) after 3 months off, had his winning run ended but is better judged on other form, rather caught out by the winner early in the straight and almost certainly not seen to best advantage as a result; prominent, effort when not fluent 3 out, ridden after, stayed on, making little impression on one that had got first run and wasn't stopping; it shouldn't necessarily be assumed that he's done all his improving.

HIGH SECRET (IRE) after just 9 days off, progressed a chunk as expected, deserving of plenty of credit for getting as close as he did to a couple of useful novices at such an early stage of his hurdling career, especially with the emphasis so much on speed given the stamina he showed on the Flat; waited with, took closer order end of back straight, shaken up approaching 3 out, stayed on; he seems sure to go on improving and, even at this stage, looks a likely type for Aintree.

STIPULATE had a lot on against some useful novices but it looks as though his confidence could be going the wrong way and supporting him even back down in grade mightn't be the wisest idea on this showing; close up, made mistakes, weakened before 3 out.

OPTIMA PETAMUS might have shown aptitude on his hurdling debut here but he was flying too high in this grade; held up, took strong hold, lost touch home turn.