Despite the ground, there was a competitive line-up for a sprint handicap which often provides clues to some of the season's bigger events, though those runners drawn in the centre of the track seemed to have an advantage. BORDERLESCOTT had come on for his first outing last season but was straight enough to score on this reappearance and continue his remarkable success story, making all and always looking likely to hold on in front. He has not stopped improving since he won off a BHB rating of 68 last June and though he was racing off 97 here and will go up again, there is no reason to suppose he won't give a good account in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot - he handled this ground but seems to be just as effective on a much firmer surface.

Rising Shadow seems best with give underfoot and having finished well when third behind this winner here last autumn he did so again - indeed, he did remarkably well to get as close as he did, coming from a most unpromising position entering the final furlong. He has the ability to win off his current mark when conditions are suitable, particularly if he can get away on terms - this was not the first time he has dwelt at the start.

Gifted Gamble was another to be suited by the ground and he bounced back from a modest effort on his previous start, always in touch and just holding off Mutawaffer, who made a most encouraging reappearance, keeping on nicely. The latter has resumed on a very decent mark after tumbling in the weights following some decent efforts and looks to be back in the form to take advantage - he stays further and should be found a decent opportunity.

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