MUSSELBURGH 16:30 2d2u3j

Non Runners: LANDECKER (IRE), DONNA'S DIAMOND (IRE). Hurdles: 15. Race Distance Adjustment: +33 yds

Time: 6m 46.4s Closing Sectional: (3.05f): 42.5s (111%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 102.4%

Unusual for a handicap in that 8 of the 10 ran close to or bettered their pre-race rating, suggesting solid form, the first 2 progressive sorts in top stables who are sure to go well again; the pace was steady until early on the final circuit.

CUP FINAL (IRE) unexposed and with strong form to his name, was all the rage in the betting back from 14 months off and justified short odds with his best effort yet. still looking a little rough around the edges but having enough in hand to overcome that, arguably worth a bit of extra credit given his stable's handicappers (especially those reappearing) have been quiet of late; mid-division, effort when untidy 3 out, challenged last, edged ahead run-in, found plenty, proving very well suited by the longer trip; he'll learn from this and looks sure to go on improving provided he stands up to training, one to be interested in for the Final of this series.

WARRIORS TALE back over hurdles after just 2 outings over fences (really encouraging debut but pulled up next time), ran his best race yet back from 8 weeks off and shaped well into the bargain, looking sure to win more races, either if kept to this sphere or sent back chasing (should prove even better over fences if his physique is any guide); in touch, travelled powerfully, challenged 2 out, edged ahead before last, headed flat, one paced, probably not quite so strong a stayer as the winner.

TAGLIETELLE who'd run respectably on the Flat last month, proved better than ever back over jumps, a really good effort from a mark 9 lb higher than when last seen in handicap company, arguably finishing where he did despite his position through the race/an ill-timed mistake in the straight; dropped out, headway when clouted 3 out, rallied after next, finished well; it's going to take a mighty effort to win a handicap from this sort of mark but he should continue to give a good .

SELDOM INN ran well in faring best of the northern-trained contingent, first-time cheekpieces, an 8-week break and the switch back to hurdling all perking him up, and he'll be found handicaps that take less winning than this one another time; raced wide, prominent, travelled fluently, mistake third, untidy ninth, upsides home turn, led briefly 2 out, one paced.

UNANIMITE (FR) looked an unlikely one for the marked step up in trip but seemed to stay and returned to form without ever landing a telling blow; held up, ridden when untidy 3 out, kept on gradually, never on .

SKY KHAN ran creditably after 12 weeks off, probably found out by a higher mark in a better race as much as anything, acknowledging that trying to come from last in the straight may not have been ideal; dropped out, headway after 3 out, never landed a blow but seemed to stay the longer trip okay.

TAP NIGHT (USA) ran creditably, looks too high in weights, though perhaps this is as far as he wants to go; disputed lead, went on home turn, headed 2 out, weakened last.

CALL THE COPS (IRE) a huge improver last spring, has more work to do to figure from a mark 8 lb higher than when last seen but encouragingly ran close to form back from 10 months off, even though shaping as if better for the run, a much bigger price than his winning owner/stable-companion; held up, raced freely, pushed along before 3 out, made no impression.

OSCAR BLUE (IRE) after 8 weeks off, proved to be a disappointment bearing in mind the longer trip looked like it should suit; chased leaders, dropped away home turn.

DRUM VALLEY ran poorly after 9 weeks off, not that he carries any interest for competitive handicaps from his mark; disputed lead until 4 out, weakened straight.