SOUTHWELL 15:25

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 0.5s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.2s (100.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 99.8%

A sprint handicap that appeals as strong form, the winner improving a chunk to readily see off some in-form rivals; as is often the case here a low draw proved an advantage, the first pair drawn 1 and 2 respectively.

UPTIGHT (FR) in first-time blinkers and tongue strap, took well to this surface (sire does well on fibresand) and proved a cut above this largely exposed bunch, belatedly building on the promise he showed at 2 yrs and on occasions last year, notably when third in a strong race at York; dwelt, soon recovered to race close up, tanked along, led under 2f out, won readily; the speed he showed suggests 5f/6f will prove his optimum, and he'll hold his own in a higher grade, one to follow now that he's back on the up.

DESERT COMMAND with fully-fledged rider back in the plate, built on recent C&D fourth, this right up with his best efforts; prominent, pushed along halfway, stuck to task, no shame in being unable to live with the winner from 2f out; this opens up more options regarding surface and, from only 1 lb above last winning mark, he's one to bear in mind.

CROSSE FIRE couldn't complete the hat-trick, his latest weights rise forcing him into a better grade of handicap, but he did do enough to confirm recent improvement all the same, especially as his draw wasn't ideal, berthed on the other side of the field from the pair who beat him; close up, shaken up halfway, edged left, kept on, not ideally placed; clearly thriving, he should continue to give a good account.

AMONG ANGELS on first outing since leaving Michael Easterby after 4 months off, has gone well fresh before (made winning reappearance in 2015), but didn't face the kickback making fibresand debut; in rear, struggled with pace, kept on, never landed a blow; next run should reveal more about current wellbeing.

ORIENTAL RELATION (IRE) was strong in the betting after running well 4 days ago but wasn't in the same sort of form, unable to dominate, and it could be that 6f suits better nowadays, all his best recent efforts achieved at that trip; mid-field, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out; likely to bounce back sooner rather than later.

BOROUGH BOY (IRE) back over C&D where he hit the frame 3 starts in a row before the turn of the year, turned in a disappointing display; slowly into stride, badly outpaced, never landed a blow.

BAPAK BANGSAWAN was again below form, his weak finish harder to excuse back at 5f; made running, headed under 2f out, weakened.

SLEEPY BLUE OCEAN failed in no uncertain terms to build on the promise of last run; in rear, uncomfortable with pace, never a threat.