NEWCASTLE 17:50

All 7 ran.

Time: 2m 38.79s Closing Sectional: (3f): 38.1s (100.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A few were off their game but the pair that fought out the finish are worth being positive about, coming right away from an in-form/progressive one in third; the pace was even, the first pair coming from the last 2 positions.

RARE GROOVE (IRE) is improving now and followed up from last time, nothing to spare on the day but he pulled well clear with another progressive one and is bound to be of interest again; waited with, headway from 3f out, every chance approaching final 1f, stayed on to lead post, proved game.

DRILL was strong in the betting and got back on the up returned to calmer waters, probably a little unlucky not to add to his pair of wins this year, perhaps in front for long enough as this panned out; dived right leaving stalls, patiently ridden, travelled fluently, going well when short of room over 2f out, produced to lead well over 1f out, collared post, pulled clear of remainder; he'll be of interest again next time, his improvement not finished yet.

RECORDMAN claimer ridden, ran creditably and still looked on a good mark for a long way, possibly not so strong a stayer as the first pair though it could be that he's the type to do more on the bridle than off it; mid-field, loomed up under 3f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, not quicken.

BENADALID was a bit below form back on all-weather, lacking a gear change back at 1½m; handy, challenged under 3f out, not quicken under 2f out, one paced; will benefit from return to 1¾m.

KING'S PROCTOR (IRE) without the headgear this time making all-weather debut, ran poorly for the second start in a row; in touch, shaken up when not clear run around 3f out, left behind soon after, not persevered with once held.

LIFE ON EARTH (USA) easy to back in first-time cheekpieces, ultimately shaped as if she might have been amiss; made running, kicked on approaching 3f out, headed over 2f out, faltered, eased final 1f.

ARTHENIA (IRE) ran badly after 9 weeks off, hard to know where she stands at present; soon tracked pace out wide, not settle fully, pushed along 4f out, dropped away over 2f out.