The absence of Magical Music left this modest handicap wide open and with the whole field separated by no more than five lengths at the finish, the form should be treated with caution, a conclusion enhanced by the fact that the winner, LA VIA FERRATA, was beaten in a seller here last time.

He looked one of the least likeliest winners half a mile from home, under pressure from his pilot up the inside rail behind a wall of horses, but to be fair he responded to the pressure and made ground as the gaps appeared. Pulled out as they entered the final furlong he gradually reeled in long time leader Night Groove and gained his first success on his seventh attempt. He clearly appreciated being stepped up to this trip and looks a likely candidate to get further.

Night Groove tried to make all and was simply outstayed by the winner, despite plugging on gamely. He managed to pull of front running tactics in a Wolverhampton claimer in November over a slightly shorter trip and now having recaptured that kind of form, connections will be looking to drop him back in distance.

Deserted Prince looked the winner 2f out, travelling ominously well in behind the leader but he found next to nothing and weakened through the field in the final furlong.

*JP Guillambert, the rider of Pocket Too, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.

*Eddie Ahern, the rider of Crocodile Star, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.

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