NEWBURY 14:50

Non Runners: TONY STAR (FR). Fences: 18.

Time: 6m 17.42s

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 100.7%

Newbury handicaps are often really well-contested affairs but this wasn't a strong 0-130 and the result isn't sure to prove reliable, either, given that Aachen and Bob Tucker were responsible for a strong pace, the latter in particular paying the price for doing so much so soon.

SMILES FOR MILES (IRE) confirmed the promise of last run, when he'd shaped as if still ahead of his mark, and he's done nothing but progress since fitted with blinkers, here defying a mark some 16 lb higher than for the first of his wins; chased leaders, went with zest, ridden 4 out, led under pressure run-in, responded well; this wasn't the most competitive of races for the grade, it has to be said, but he may do better still the way he's going.

RUSSE BLANC (FR) was up in grade after 7 lb rise for Exeter win 7 weeks earlier and proved better than ever, albeit suited by the way the race developed; mid-division, ridden when mistake 5 out, headway 2 out, stayed on to lead after last, headed soon after, one paced (rider had whip knocked out of hand on the run-in).

AACHEN was fitter for reappearance and bounced back to form, worth some extra credit given he was partly responsible for the strong gallop; helped force pace, headed 5 out, plugged on from 2 out; he's not sure to be in the same form next time, however.

BOB TUCKER (IRE) shaped well, better than the distance beaten suggests, and looks on a handy mark; helped force pace, went with enthusiasm, led outright thirteenth, tiring when bad mistake last, headed soon after and no extra having been ridden too aggressively; he remains open to improvement and is one to keep an eye on.

QULINTON (FR) is becoming well handicapped, so much so that he can't be ignored, and hinted at a revival; raced off the pace, some headway thirteenth, in touch briefly, weakened, not unduly punished.

TOUCH BACK (IRE) probably isn't a chaser, lightly raced over fences for a 9-y-o, and fell heavily at the first.

OHIO GOLD (IRE) shaped as if back in form, this trip on testing ground in a strongly-run race too much for him; mid-division, travelled well, mistake 3 out, beaten when unseated rider next having found less than looked likely.

PREMIER PORTRAIT (IRE) ran no sort of race on the back of a win and has to be treated with caution now, a hard ride even when on a going day, and they're difficult to predict; raced indolently, always behind.

ON TREND (IRE) ran poorly in first-time visor; raced off the pace, went with little fluency, beaten long way out; unpredictable.

BUACHAILL ALAINN (IRE) ran no better than on return, always behind, and has plenty to prove.