MUSSELBURGH 15:00 uh5f

Non Runners: STRONGPOINT (IRE), COOL MACAVITY (IRE), MEADOWCROFT BOY, NATHANS PRIDE (IRE). Hurdles: 9.

Time: 3m 39.81s Closing Sectional: (3.3f): 42.5s (104.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 101.7%

A good competitive handicap and form that looks solid, the front 2 both posting improved displays, the top weight Sea Lord giving the result substance back in third; the pace was just fair, fifth-placed Zaidiyn shaping well running on from the rear.

RETRIEVE (AUS) who had reportedly had a wind operation, showed improved form to come out on top after 7 months off; mid-field, not always fluent in the early stages but travelled smoothly, headway approaching 3 out, produced to lead last, kept on well, asserted close home; won't get into the County Hurdle at Cheltenham but Aintree appeals as a suitable alternative, his Flat speed a likely asset around there, his form on the level coupled with the manner of this victory leaving him with the potential to rate higher still.

STREETS OF NEWYORK raised 8 lb, took a further step forward, narrowly denied a second successive C&D win; pressed leader, travelled with enthusiasm, went on approaching 2 out, headed last, stuck to task; should go well again, weaker handicaps than this open to him.

SEA LORD (IRE) had excuses when well beaten in the Fighting Fifth on his reappearance and returned to form back in handicap company after 10 weeks off, this a fine effort conceding weight all around, finding only a pair of improvers too strong, though therein lies his vulnerability in this type of event; prominent, mistake fifth, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on until no extra close home.

A BOY NAMED SUZI strong in the betting, ran creditably on this switch to handicaps without suggesting he has much in hand from his initial mark, his jumping holding up in this more competitive environment; in touch, took strong hold, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on.

ZAIDIYN (FR) got back on track making handicap debut, catching the eye to boot, not unduly punished as he attempted to come from a long way back, set a lot to do in relation to the quartet who beat him; dropped out and settled better than last time (blinkers left off), jumped a little sketchily, still plenty to do approaching 3 out, shaken up approaching next, kept on, never a threat; no chances have been taken with his opening mark, but he remains unexposed in this sphere and is one to bear in mind.

IT'S A MANS WORLD again gave hope that a revival may be around the corner, his last 2 starts (since returned to hurdles) more encouraging, travelling with greater zest this time, the change of tactics having the desired effect in that respect, eligible for significantly lesser races than this; led, headed approaching 2 out, no extra run-in.

GOLD FUTURES (IRE) is quickly becoming disappointing, below form for the third start in a row, his purple patch of spring and summer now a distant memory; held up, struggling approaching 3 out.

CINDERS AND ASHES was weak in the market and shaped with little promise after a further 11 months off, clearly a horse who has had a number of issues and a shadow of his former self; mid-field, hit fifth, not fluent next, beaten approaching 3 out.

MIDNIGHT GAME back over hurdles, was well held on first outing since leaving Gordon Elliott after 5 months off, no encouragement to be gleaned; mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out; has ed a yard with a noteworthy record of rejuvenating similar types, but at present he has plenty to prove.

SWEET DEAL (IRE) ran no sort of race after 9 weeks off, his temperament now firmly under suspicion; prominent, soon off bridle (reminders circuit out), lost place approaching fifth, soon done with.

VODKA WELLS (FR) below par on sole previous hurdles outing for current connections (wore hood) before showing fair form on the Flat during the summer, shaped as if needing the run after 6 months off, having reportedly had a breathing operation; patiently ridden, brief headway approaching 3 out, faltered.