MUSSELBURGH 15:35 72u4v

All 14 ran.

Time: 3m 6.42s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.6s (106.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A valuable and good-quality handicap, the progressive winner making it 4 wins from his last 5 starts returning from a break, seeing off one who was returning to form, the pair nicely clear of the third, with varying states of readiness from those further back; a modest early pace meant the race only really developed from the home turn.

WISE EAGLE (IRE) was a most progressive stayer last season and, back down in trip (without usual cheekpieces), picked up where he left off 6 months ago, proving better than ever; mid-field, travelled fluently, headway out wide over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged right final 1f, kept on; a strong traveller, he looks set for another good season.

METIER (IRE) pulled up over hurdles since his poor Kempton all-weather run, got back on the up, seeming to appreciate the return to turf in this sphere, pushing the progressive winner all the way; slowly into stride, raced along inside, in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final 1f, pulled clear of rest; he goes well on easy ground and another opportunity or 2 should come his way this spring.

PLEASANT MAN placed on his last 4 starts over hurdles, ran creditably back on the Flat after 7 weeks off; disputed lead until back straight, remained prominent, went on over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened.

EUCHEN GLEN after 6 months off, shaped as if retaining plenty of ability at the age of 10, this not really run to suit but still making late inroads; dwelt, held up, took keen hold, headway early in straight, switched over 1f out, kept on, nearest at the finish; he's not won for a while but handicap opportunities should come his way from this sort of mark.

EMIYN (FR) not seen since finishing third to Metier in the November Handicap 5 months ago, wasn't disgraced and ultimately shaped as if better for the run; disputed lead, went on back straight, headed over 2f out, weakened final 1f.

DARK JEDI (IRE) was a little keen making his first start in 5 months, likely to come on for the run but not looking obviously well treated; mid-division, took strong hold, ridden early in straight, plugged on.

SPIRIT MIXER after 9 months off, travelled well enough for a long way before lack of a recent outing seemed to take its toll; chased leaders, travelled fluently, ridden 2f out, faded final 1f.

EAST ASIA (IRE) back on turf, failed to come on for recent run; slowly into stride, raced off the pace, ridden early in straight, brief headway 2f out, effort flattened out.

THEMAXWECAN (IRE) looked a tad rusty after 7 months off, not given a hard time when it was clear he couldn't get involved; raced off the pace, pushed along over 2f out, never on .

GOOD SHOW attracted after 5 months off but shaped as if needing the run; in touch, not settle fully, ridden early in straight, hung left, weakened over 1f out.

WICKYWICKYWHEELS (IRE) who'd run creditably a couple of times out in Dubai for B. Seemar, had the assistance of a top claimer but was below form returned to previous trainer after 7 weeks off; held up, came wide early in straight, never landed a blow.

ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) back on turf, ran poorly; chased leaders, ridden 3f out, edged left, weakened over 1f out.

NICHOLAS T back in a hood, seems to be going through the motions; dwelt, always behind.

OUTBOX produced an abject display after 4 months off, presumably not 100% on the day; raced wide, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten.