DONCASTER 15:50

Non Runners: AZRUR (IRE), EQUITY RISK (USA).

Time: 1m 32.47s

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.8%

The testing conditions rendered this less competitive than it might have been, but it was still a useful handicap and saw an improved effort from the gambled-on winner on his first start for David O'Meara.

BEST OF ORDER (IRE) gambled on, seemed fully exposed at the age of 7 but improved on first outing since leaving E. J. O'Neill after 7 months off and, given his stable's record with cast-offs, there's the definite possibility of better to come yet; waited with, progress from halfway, produced to lead under 2f out, responded well; he's equally effective at 1m and his career record does suggest he acts well on testing ground.

PERSONAL TOUCH has no secrets from the handicapper but he was successful over this C&D last season and he ran well after 6 months off, again proving his effectiveness when the mud is flying; close up, travelled smoothly, every chance over 2f out, stayed on.

LIFE PARTNER (IRE) less exposed than rest, shaped encouragingly after 7 months off, doing well to threaten as much as he did given how freely he raced early, such headstrong tendencies obviously not ideal under such testing conditions; held up, took strong hold, good headway over 2f out, challenged soon after, no extra final 100 yds; he may do better yet.

ALEJANDRO (IRE) a stable-companion of the gambled-on winner, shaped as if retaining all ability on first outing for 7 months/since leaving Richard Fahey for £20,000; made running, headed under 2f out, no extra final 1f; it's still not proven that he's fully effective when the mud is flying.

FOXTROT ROMEO (IRE) had looked worth a try back at 7f but conditions were so extreme that he shouldn't be judged on this run, tackling ground this testing for the first time; held up, switched over 2f out, ridden soon after, soon beaten; at least another fall in the weights could be in the offing.

CORPORAL MADDOX does have form in the mud but ran one of lesser races; steadied at the start, dropped out, pushed along halfway, never on terms.

HENRY THE AVIATOR (USA) gelded since last seen, was well held after 10 months off, had raced only on good going or firmer on turf previously and seemed unsuited by conditions; mid-field, pushed along halfway, soon beaten.

TASRIH (USA) pressed leader, weakened over 2f out, eased off; this was only his second run away from the all-weather but it's fair to assume he's going to prove better suited to artificial surfaces than turf.