NEWCASTLE 17:10

All 7 ran.

Time: 57.9s Closing Sectional: (2f): 23.1s (100.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 100.4%

A smart minor event, and though a few of the market leaders either underperformed or weren't seen to best effect, the efforts of the principals look solid enough, the winner running up to his best to edge out an in-form rival.

CASPIAN PRINCE (IRE) after 7 weeks off, ran up to his best to give weight away all round and score in determined fashion; led, shaken up under 2f out, tackled final 1f, dug deep under pressure, all out; one-dimensional front runner who is best at 5f and will remain of interest granted such circumstances, but further down the line he'll be vulnerable if aimed at the Final on Good Friday over 6f.

ATLETICO (IRE) after 6 weeks off, ran at least as well as when winning a handicap last time, clearly well suited by this C&D, but more importantly still on the upgrade; mid-field, headway 2f out, effort over 1f out, every chance final 1f, kept on; will continue to give a good account.

FINAL VENTURE shaped as if retaining all his ability after 4 months off, this likely to put him spot on for Dubai; reared leaving stalls, in rear, latched onto main group by halfway, good headway soon after, sustained effort well given his earlier exertions.

INTISAAB well backed, had no problem with 1f shorter trip, just undone by how things unfolded, and almost certainly remains in top form; in rear, travelled fluently, short of room from over 1f out, never able to fully open up and subjected to little more than a hands-and-heels ride.

BLUE DE VEGA (GER) down in trip after 12 weeks off, ran to a similar level to last time, though there was less encouragement to be gleaned from this display; dwelt, waited with, pushed along 2f out, carried head bit high, not quicken.

DOCTOR SARDONICUS wasn't in the same form as last time, possibly finding the race coming too soon less than 2 weeks on from a return from a break; close up, ridden around 2f out, weakened.

GRACIOUS JOHN (IRE) might well prove ideally suited by the more speed-favouring all-weather tracks but ran poorly all the same; raced near side, close up, struggling 2f out, weakened.