WOLVERHAMPTON 16:30

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 37.66s Closing Sectional: (2f): 24.35s (105.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100.1%

A useful handicap that should prove solid, rather than strong, form; Paddys Motorbike produced a career best to justify strong support and see off a pair that have slipped in the weights; with Kashmir Peak soon taking Precision Five on for the lead the pace was fair.

PADDYS MOTORBIKE (IRE) has been knocking on the door of late, in the frame on each of his last 4 starts, and with things panning out more favourably on this occasion he proved better than ever to justify strong support; tracked pace, switched approaching 2f out, led over 1f out, kept going well; should remain with some handicapping scope even once reassessed, so there's no reason he can't continue to give a good account.

WINTERLUDE (IRE) not only stepped up on his comeback effort but shaped well to boot, only giving best to one that was slightly better placed as things developed; waited with, travelled well, headway when had to barge way through approaching final 1f, kept on, no impression on winner; he's back down to his last winning mark, and although that was a while ago he's been fairly lightly raced since, capable of going close again on this evidence.

COMMUNICATOR back down in trip, took a step back in the right direction in first-time cheekpieces despite not being seen to best effect; mid-field, headway when not clear run over 2f out, closing in when bumped approaching final 1f, ran on; needs to prove this isn't a false dawn, but he'd have a better chance of doing that if returned to further than 1½m next time.

PRECISION FIVE wasn't disgraced but it's debatable how well the change in tactics suited her, probably doing a bit too much in front having been allowed to stride on; led, took keen hold, disputed lead from circuit out, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, one paced.

STENCIVE ran better than last time, but that's still a long way short of what he was capable of at his best, this seemingly just his level nowadays; mid-division, effort approaching 2f out, not quicken.

SIZZLER understandably shaped as if needing the run after 19 months off, but while he's yet to prove how much ability he retains, he's certainly not rid of his quirks, carrying his head awkwardly on a number of occasions during the race; reared leaving stalls, soon steadied, not settle fully, ridden when met some trouble approaching final 1f, no further impression, not knocked about.

KASHMIR PEAK (IRE) was in the process of running creditably when falling over hurdles when last seen, was below form back on the Flat, not settling under a more positive ride than normal, is now without a win in this sphere for well over 3 years; raced freely in touch out wide early, disputed lead from circuit out, effort 2f out, weakened over 1f out.

SHWAIMAN (IRE) back down markedly in trip/back on all-weather, shaped as if needing the run after 7 months off; in touch, took keen hold, shaken up over 3f out, forced wide entering straight, lost place approaching final 1f; his next run is set to reveal more about how much ability he retains.

CAI SHEN (IRE) fared no better than last time and has plenty to prove at present, looking one with problems; raced well off the pace, left behind end of back straight; reportedly finished lame.