SANDOWN PARK 16:25

All 5 ran. Fences: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +110 yds

Time: 4m 15.1s Closing Sectional: (2.75f): 45.45s (96.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 99.4%

A small-field handicap which has all the hallmarks of ordinary form; the favourite flopped which left a pair that arrived with something to prove to fight out the finish.

IRISH THISTLE (IRE) had been given a big chance by the handicapper, dropped fully 10 lb since last contesting a handicap only last month, and, having attracted support, returned to form to take advantage; mid-field, pecked first, hit 4 out, shaken up before next, progress approaching 2 out, switched last and stayed on to lead dying strides; may have only scrambled home but can't go back up the weights much given the narrow margins involved, so will remain well treated on his Irish form.

MALANOS (IRE) showed more than he had on chasing debut, that experience clearly having done him some good, beaten only by one that had been dropped a chunk in the weights; led and jumped soundly, tackled 3 out, headed after next, rallied well from last and led again final 100 yds, collared dying strides.

CHESTNUT BEN (IRE) didn't look an obvious one to follow up given that he'd been helped by the run of the race last time and was now 7 lb higher, but at least shaped as if still in good form; in touch, effort after 3 out, edged ahead after next, headed final 100 yds, kept on.

OLYMPIAN BOY (IRE) wasn't disgraced despite this not seeming to get to the bottom of him, a stronger gallop sure to have suited; soon steadied, slow sixth, outpaced between 4 out and 3 out, kept on after last but never a threat.

THE BROCK AGAIN had gone up only 3 lb for his Taunton success but wasn't in the same form, reverting to his weak-finishing ways; in touch, challenged from 3 out until weakened after last.