This was a competitive opener on a difficult-looking eight-race card. Only 5lb separated the top and bottom weights for the first division of the mile handicap and they only appeared to go a moderate gallop. The injection of pace in the latter stages appeared to catch a few out.

For much of the home straight it looked as though Lowestoft Playboy was going to land his first success. He moved into the lead off the home turn, going easily, and still held a nice advantage entering the final furlong, but he was mugged in the final strides by BORDER EDGE. Nicely handicapped and dropped back down to a mile, the eight-year-old was settled just off the pace and came with a sweeping run down the middle of the track to deny Lowestoft Playboy. As long as the handicapper does not raise him too much for this success, he is entitled to go close next time. Connections suspect he is best ridden like this now.

The runner-up has proved to be frustrating character, but there looked little wrong with his attitude and he can win a similar race.

Favourite Jomus - who went to the start early as usual - was reined back after leaving the stalls and never got into contention after being slightly interfered with by a backpedalling and reluctant-looking Primed Up. The early pace almost certainly did not suit him either.

Fortune Point and Captain Darling shared the lead early but found nothing when challenged in the straight. Sonntag Blue never quite threatened to get involved, while Gallego, under a jockey change due to Jamie Spencer missing the whole meeting due to illness, was under pressure very early in the race and proved disappointing.

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