REDCAR 15:15 v6u5m

Non Runners: JUMP THE GUN (IRE).

Time: 1m 43.13s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.85s (97.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 126%, Betfair SP 102.8%

A handicap which developed along familiar lines for one over this C&D, the field congregating towards the far side with the low-drawn horses favoured, Boardman in fourth doing well in that regard, whilst Il Bandito impressed with how he travelled for a long way under an aggressive ride in a strongly-run race.

LIGHTENING COMPANY (IRE) strong in the betting back on the Flat (let down by jumping sole start over hurdles), improved again to go one better than at Newcastle, seen to good effect the way this unfolded but showing a good attitude; mid-field, hugged far-side rail throughout, pushed along under 3f out, outpaced briefly, stayed on to lead final 100 yds, all out to hold on.

HORTZADAR showed benefit of reappearance run, getting close to the pick of his form at 6 yrs and arguably a shade unlucky not to win, covering a bit more ground than the winner; mid-field, raced far side, headway around 2f out, switched right soon after, led over 1f out, headed final 100 yds, rallied, just failed.

IL BANDITO (IRE) after 6 months off, was easy to back near the off but shaped well on first outing since leaving Charles Hills for 52,000 gns; close up, went with zest, led under 3f out, pushed along soon after, headed over 1f out, no extra final 100 yds, made effort earlier than ideal, the outing possibly just needed as well; will prove as effective back at 7f and one to keep an eye on having ed a yard that are in the process of making a promising start.

BOARDMAN after 5 months off, shaped better than the distance beaten suggests; poorly drawn, waited with, angled for run 2f out, headway soon after but away from where the main action unfolded, stuck to task; had a really good time of things around this time last year and one to note with this under his belt.

HARSWELL DUKE (IRE) might have needed the run on first outing for 9 months/since leaving Liam Bailey, but offered something to work on all the same; in touch, ridden under 3f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra; not one to write off next time with this under his belt.

COPPER AND FIVE might have needed the run after 6 months off, but starts the year as high in the weights as he's ever been; mid-field, kept on.

BROKEN SPEAR wasn't in the same form as last time, possibly finding the race coming too soon just 9 days on, though late on he again failed to convince with his stamina; dwelt, raced off the pace, laboured headway around 2f out, no extra final 1f; will be suited by a return to 7f.

ORBAAN after 3 months off, wasn't seen to best effect; switched far side soon after start, off pace, had to wait for gap over 2f out, had to weave way through over 1f out, never a threat; will probably be down to a career-low mark next time, but is quite a long time without a win.

POET'S DAWN after 5 months off, underperformed; mid-field, one paced, always around same position.

CROWNTHORPE probably needed the run after 5 months off; slowly into stride, in rear, ridden when met some trouble over 2f out, not knocked about, never a threat; wins-to-runs ratio leaves something to be desired but he's down to a potentially lenient mark and should be closer to form next time.

DELGREY BOY last seen when winning the final of this series 6 months ago, wasn't seen to best effect; waited with, travelled smoothly, no room over 2f out, then forced to switch soon after, not recover and not knocked about.

LARADO (FR) after 8 weeks off, underperformed; led, headed under 3f out, weakened.

BOWLAND PARK ran poorly after 6 months off, under pressure too far out to just blame the absence, perhaps unsuited by the going (first try on worse than good to soft); prominent, pushed along over 3f out, weakened from 2f out.

TOMMY G offered little after 6 months off; mid-field, took strong hold, left behind from 2f out.

RAINS OF CASTAMERE having first Flat start since leaving Mick Channon, fared no better than he had over hurdles 3 months earlier; mid-field, struggling 3f out, soon beaten; plenty to prove at present.

SURPRISE PICTURE (IRE) easy to back, was well held on first outing since leaving Hugo Palmer after 6 months off; mid-field, struggling soon after halfway.