WOLVERHAMPTON 14:20

All 13 ran.

Time: 1m 58.71s Closing Sectional: (2f): 23.7s (105.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 101.9%

A decidedly useful handicap and one that appeals as solid form, the winner in the form of his life, the runner-up building a good record on all-weather and the third down to a handy mark; the gallop was fair and the field fanned out across the track in the straight, Third Time Lucky the only one who met significant trouble.

PACTOLUS (IRE) continues in a rich vein of form, better than ever back under 3 lb claimer here to gain a hard-fought success; mid-field, shaken up home turn, headway soon after, led around 1f out, all out to hold on; won't go up much in the weights for this and looks sure to remain competitive, clearly thriving at present.

MOUNT TAHAN (IRE) had run well 2 previous tries on all-weather and, upped in trip after 9 weeks off, looked better than ever returned to an artificial surface; slowly into stride, in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on well final 1f, just failed; tendency to start slowly is a concern, but he's clearly on a good mark and totally unexposed at trips in excess of 1m, so is one to be interested in next time.

BATTLE OF MARATHON (USA) has been given a chance by the handicapper and, after just 7 days off, ran one of his better races to prove his stamina for this sort of trip; waited with, travelled fluently, going well when short of room around 1f out, got gap soon after, kept on well; isn't the most consistent but very well treated if able to build on this.

KYLLACHY GALA after 7 weeks off, ran to just a similar level to last time; mid-division, travelled better than most, shaken up over 1f out, not quicken; won't need to drop much more in the weights to become of interest, though.

PRIMERO (FR) on first outing since leaving C. Ferland after 5 months off, also making handicap bow, matched French form at the first time of asking in this country; mid-field, forced wide entering straight, headway under pressure soon after, kept on straight; has joined a yard who do well with this type so could have more to offer over the coming weeks.

MYTHICAL MADNESS back on all-weather after 3 months off, wasn't disgraced; mid-field, shaken up under 3f out, got gap around 1f out, headway, effort flattened out; entitled to get closer to form with this under his belt, and should be somewhere close to last winning mark when next seen.

RAINBOW REBEL (IRE) after just 6 days off, typically ran his race; prominent, effort 2f out, every chance 1f out, no extra; consistency means handicapper is proving slow to relent, though.

SENIORITY well backed down in trip, but proved to be a disappointment and needs to learn to curb his free-going tendencies (worth a try in a hood); chased leaders, raced freely, no room 2f out, got gap early in straight, weakened.

THIRD TIME LUCKY (IRE) offered something to work on having second start back since returning from summer break; waited with, went with zest, short of room 3f out, denied a run again straight, steady progress final 1f for hands-and-heels ride; should be eased another pound or 2 in the weights for this as well.

BRONZE ANGEL (IRE) easy to back, underperformed; in rear, struggling over 3f out, never a threat.

FORCEFUL APPEAL (USA) fared no better than last time and doesn't seem to have returned from his break in much form; waited with, forced wide home turn, not quicken, never dangerous.

ROLL ON RORY followed a good run with a below-par one, unable to dominate on this occasion; chased leader, pushed along home turn, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra.

SANDS CHORUS back on all-weather, was well held; dwelt, forced pace, pushed along over 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened.