MUSSELBURGH 16:13 1b541o

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 43.2s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.6s (107.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 98.6%

An ordinary 0-90 handicap for 3-y-os with several - including the winner - running from a mark a fair way short of the ceiling, though it still looks solid enough form in its own right despite the lack of a true gallop, the winner one to be interested in again next time while the trio who followed him home all found improvement.

HILTS (IRE) didn't need to improve to follow up from Redcar, and the run of this may again mask his superiority, the lack of a true gallop not playing to his strengths up in trip, better still to come from him when faced with greater emphasis on stamina; mid-division, headway under pressure over 2f out, forced to switch entering final 1f, stayed on to lead final strides.

CHARLES ST in first-time cheekpieces, improved again despite finding one too good for the fourth time in 5 starts, rather bumping into one on each occasion in fairness, for all he showed signs of temperament here; soon led, headed over 2f out, hung left approaching final 1f, led again soon after, flashed tail, headed final strides.

BELLE OF ANNANDALE (IRE) back on turf, improved further and shouldn't be long in winning a handicap; steadied at the start, waited with, raced freely, headway over 2f out, every chance when hung left inside final 1f, ran on.

NATHANAEL GREENE strong in the betting making handicap debut, showed improved form and is almost certain to do better again, this not panning out all that well for him; dwelt, held up, pushed along over 3f out, headway when short of room inside final 1f, never a threat.

TROJAN HORSE (IRE) ran creditably, having every chance; prominent, took keen hold, led over 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, carried left inside final 1f, no extra final 100 yds.

PONS AELIUS (IRE) ran better than last time on the face of it, though it was a little laboured, and he was never out of mid-field; mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on gradually final 1f, never a threat.

CAMPESE wasn't seen to best effect under a change of tactics (made all last time); in rear, kept on gradually final 1f, never on , unsuited by the way the race developed.

ZIMMERMAN wasn't in the same form as when successful last time, his early keenness catching up with him on this occasion; chased leaders, took strong hold, weakened from 2f out.

STATE LEGEND (IRE) back up in trip, ran below form, his failure to handle the bend into the straight the beginning of the end; prominent, lost place when ran wide home turn, beaten from 2f out.