SALISBURY 16:15

Non Runners: STANLEY.

Time: 3m 24.25s Closing Sectional: (3.25f): 51.5s (90.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 100.7%

A strong gallop in testing conditions exposed any lack of fitness/stamina, something of a survival of the fittest come the finish, and with so many not running their race it's unlikely to make for a strong bit of form, behind the front pair at least.

MOABIT (GER) was potentially well handicapped back on the Flat having won a pair of handicap hurdles since last seen in this sphere (officially rated 135 over timber), and proved better than ever, though had to dig deep having taken up the running a long way out; never far away, led over 4f out, tackled strongly under 2f out, battled well; will continue to give a good account and will have no problems stepping back up to 2m on this evidence.

CLEONTE (IRE) gelded since last seen, returned to form back in cheekpieces (replacing visor) after 7 months off, this approaching the pick of his 3-y-o efforts in France, just bumping into a fellow well-treated rival who had the benefit of the rail during their prolonged tussle through the last couple of furlongs; mid-division, shuffled back after 4f, effort under 3f out, challenged strongly over 1f out, edged ahead briefly, kept on well but winner pulled out bit more; one to be interested in for a big staying handicap now.

SUMMER NAME (IRE) got back on track making handicap debut, well suited by the longer trip; held up, progress halfway, hung left behind leader under 3f out, kept on, pulled clear of remainder.

CHAMPAGNE CHAMP ran even worse, at a course at which he invariably goes well, too; tracked pace, went in snatches, ridden over 5f out, merely plugged on.

MISTRESS QUICKLY (IRE) disappointed given she came in for good late support after 6 months off, and has something to prove now having ended last season out of form too (admittedly faced with a stiff task final start); mid-division, struggling under 4f out, made no impression.

WORLD WAR (IRE) was easy to back and shaped as if better for the run on first outing since leaving G. M. Lyons after 7 months, his stamina for this sort of test hardly cast-iron either; chased leaders, every chance over 3f out, faltered under 2f out.

PRECISION never figured after 8 months off, not making any inroads whatsoever from well off the pace, the loss of a shoe hardly enough to excuse this run completely.

MEDRANO without the hood this time, seems to have lost the plot; led, refused to settle, headed over 4f out, beaten quickly.