ASCOT 15:35 34325l

Non Runners: OUTBOX. Race Distance Adjustment: +33 yds

Time: 3m 3.98s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.95s (104.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 98%

Apart from the penalised Sevenna Star, only Austrian School had run at this level previously, though he and the first 2 had form in handicaps suggesting they would be more than able to compete at this level and the form needs viewing positively, the very promising fourth well clear of the rest in a soundly-run race.

GHOSTWATCH (IRE) took the step up in grade in his stride, well ed and probably not needing the improve to score as he did, though there's plenty to like about his overall profile in the second half of the year; in touch, travelled well, close up early in straight, led over 1f out, kept on well, ridden out; he will stay 2m and could well do better again at 4 yrs.

MEKONG fully confirmed the improvement shown last time, clearly not needing the mud to run to this level; dropped in start to race on rail, held up, travelled well, headway entering straight, every chance from over 1f out, gave best final 50 yds; he's a useful performer and could have more to offer at 4 yrs, with a try at 2m on the cards at some stage.

AUSTRIAN SCHOOL (IRE) ran creditably, placed yet again, this trip barely a sufficient test; led, ridden straight, headed over 1f out, kept on; he's a typically tough runner from his yard and hopefully will get more opportunities at 2m+ next year.

ENBIHAAR (IRE) upped markedly in trip and making turf debut, ran well upped in grade and against significantly more experienced male rivals; held up, travelled well, effort straight, not quicken, stayed on inside final 1f; open to further improvement, the River Eden at Lingfield presumably an option for gaining black type this year, though hopefully she will stay in training, as she has the scope to progress a fair bit more at 4 yrs.

THIMBLEWEED upped in trip, has a progressive profile, but she was below form in this much tougher race, likely to be effective at the trip another day; held up, ridden straight, left behind soon after.

INDIA was well held over 2f longer trip, progressive in handicaps but biting off more than she could chew at this level; chased leader, not settle fully, pushed along 3f out, edged right straight, weakened over 1f out.

SEVENNA STAR (IRE) after 6 weeks off, ran poorly over 2f longer trip, again tongue tied and beaten before the extra distance came into play, a fair bit to prove now; waited with, lost place entering straight, heavily eased off.