NOTTINGHAM 15:50

Non Runners: THE RECTIFIER (USA), REMOTE. Race Distance Adjustment: +24 yds

Time: 1m 49.07s

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.9%

Arguably the two most interesting of those that were declared, Remote and The Rectifier, were both pulled out after the rain, leaving an uncompetitive, small-field affair that looks weak form for the grade; Balty Boys was ridden aggressively, soon building up a big lead at a track where front-runners perform well.

BALTY BOYS (IRE) looked handicapped to the hilt, 9 lb higher than for only previous win in this sphere, but produced a career-best effort from out of the blue to take advantage of an uncompetitive race for the grade, benefiting from return to forceful tactics; soon well clear, with no let up in the gallop, ridden along over 3f out, kept on well, though all out to hold on in the end; he's one to take on next time.

ARTIGIANO (USA) disappointed on latter start in Dubai earlier in the year but was making all-weather debut that day and, back on turf after 4 months off, he returned to form to go close to making a winning handicap debut; chased leader, driven over 1f out, took time to knuckle down (carried head slightly to one side), ran on late but just failed; remains with just a maiden win to his name and likely to continue to be quite hard to place, this a weak handicap after all.

TWO FOR TWO (IRE) is rarely disgraced and wasn't again, though given this was a less competitive race than most he contests it was a little disappointing, and his losing run is building up now; chased leader, driven 2f out, no extra final 100 yards; generally opposable.

FORT BASTION (IRE) arrived in top form so this was disappointing, never really looking likely to match his last couple of efforts, admittedly in a different type of race (small field/softer ground), but he has won under similar conditions in the past; held up, ridden 3f out, plugged on, never a threat.

BEAUMONT'S PARTY (IRE) was well held after 5 months off (last ran over hurdles), needs respite from the handicapper after fruitful 2013 campaign, not that that was to blame here; held up, raced too freely, struggling over 3f out, made no impression.