HAMILTON PARK 15:30 42496g

Non Runners: LINCOLN ROCKS, MUTAHAADY (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +2 yds

Time: 1m 50.04s Closing Sectional: (3f): 38.8s (102.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 99.3%

A handicap that lost one of its most interesting runners when Weekend Offender was left at the start, but it's still decidedly useful form amongst the principals, Hibou putting it all together under a well-timed challenge to see off 3 rivals who all brought solid recent form to the table; the gallop was sound as well.

HIBOU back in blinkers and returned to 1m, proved at least a good as ever under a well-judged ride, in the process showing soft ground holds no fears for him; held up, shaken up over 2f out, good headway over 1f out, switched final 1f, kept on well to lead final 50 yds; no element of fluke about this success, but slight reservations about his attitude mean he's not one for maximum faith next time.

MASHAM STAR (IRE) in calmer waters than last time and at a track more conducive to forcing tactics, wasted no time getting back on track, this just about his best effort in fact; led, ed over 3f out, shaken up/went on again over 2f out, kept on well, headed final 50 yds; slightly unlucky not to win as he's climbed the ranks this year, and likely to edge up another pound or two for this, so will probably remain vulnerable.

IONIZATION (IRE) again ran creditably, for all that he didn't quite match up to the form he showed when runner-up at Haydock last time; mid-field, pushed along briefly on turn, ridden early in straight, kept on; latest rise in weights leaves little room for manoeuvre, though.

GULF OF POETS found hot streak coming to an end, though didn't seem so well equipped to handle the drop back in trip as had seemed likely, so probably better judged on previous wins for now; handy, off bridle earlier than has been the case (ridden under 3f out), every chance under 2f out, one paced.

AARDWOLF (USA) again ran below form, not for the first time failing to deliver at the business end; mid-division, travelled well, headway 3f out, every chance under 2f out, hung right, found little; temperament under suspicion and not one to be interested in.

HIGHLAND COLORI (IRE) in a change of headgear, shaped as if better for the run after 9 weeks off; handy, upsides 3f out, headway over 2f out, faded.

NICHOLAS T who was seeking a hat-trick (form of latest success already franked a couple of times), proved to be a disappointment, just not 100% on the day for whatever reason (already has form on soft ground and over C&D); mid-field, ridden over 3f out, not quicken; type to bounce back quickly.

ALEXANDRAKOLLONTAI (IRE) wasn't in the same form as last time; in rear, struggling early in straight, merely ed beaten horses.

LAT HAWILL (IRE) followed a below-par effort with an even worse one; in rear, never a threat.

ZORAVAN (USA) fared no better after just 6 days off; raced wide, close up, not settle fully, upsides over 3f out, headed over 2f out, folded.

WEEKEND OFFENDER (FR) after 12 weeks off; lost all chance at the start (blindfold still on as stalls opened); Nottingham form is very strong and he's well worth another chance.