Not a strong handicap, with doubts over plenty and few unexposed contenders, but a decent gallop, which was ideal for the reappearing STRETTON, who was held up in rear and still virtually last half a mile out but made ground under a well-judged ride,hit the front inside the final furlong and ran on well. He goes well on this track and though he has a history of good efforts first time out, he is well worth bearing in mind if he returns this season.

Jack Of Trumps confirmed the promise of his Bath comeback, leading a furlong out and not disgraced in being unable to hold off the winner. He has no secrets from the handicapper but is in the form to win in this grade.

Merrymaker is another who ran well without allaying fears that his BHB rating makes it hard for him to win - the strong pace suited him and he kept on after not getting a clear run over a furlong out, but he had been ridden after just two furlongs and is not entirely straightforward.

River Alhaarth was the least exposedcontender and did not shape at all badly, ridden and losing his place over three furlongs out but keeping on for fourth place. This was right up with his best form, and he will improve on it with more experience - and more than likely when he steps up toa slightly longer trip too.

Quizzene ran respectably, but the poorly drawn Gringo was forced to make ground on the wide outside and having got to a prominent position on the hometurn, he seemed to pay for his exertions - he was eased once beaten and is capable of better than this. Of the rest, Graham Island and Mr Aitch raced quite freely, while the ground turned against Sporting Gesture, who was never able to challenge and is worth another chance. [DC]

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