EPSOM DOWNS 15:55

All 11 ran.

Time: 2m 11.06s Closing Sectional: (3.5f): 37.3s (122%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 99.4%

This looked an open handicap, difficult to discount any beforehand, but it was all very one-sided in the end, Collaboration taking another step forward from Windsor in this much better company and he's a handicapper to follow all of a sudden; the pace was on the steady side.

COLLABORATION was up in grade from Windsor, also 10 lb higher, but followed up from there with little fuss, is improving fast all of a sudden, his problems firmly behind him now, a breathing operation over the winter perhaps the key; in touch, smooth headway early in straight, quickened to lead over 2f out, forged clear; had some notably strong form last year and looks sort to go on improving now, the type to go well in the most competitive of handicaps, perhaps starting back over C&D on Oaks day.

HOLD THE LINE (IRE) must have just had an off day last time as he wasted no time getting back to form, not that it's a platform to go on from in all likelihood, no match at all for the winner, and having a positional edge over most of the rest; prominent, pushed along early in straight, edged left, one paced.

FIRE FIGHTING (IRE) who's being kept busy, this already his eighth start of the year and he again ran well, equally effective on turf as all-weather; slowly into stride, mid-field, headway over 2f out, ran on.

FORGOTTEN HERO (IRE) came good second time out last year, no surprise to see him right back to his best with this behind him, shaped as if retaining all his ability after 6 months off; needs things to drop right, which they didn't here, failing to settle having been dropped out, meeting interference as he tried to weave through, stayed on, left with too much to do; a well-run race at this trip is ideal for him.

IMSHIVALLA (IRE) ran just respectably after 6 months off, though it's possible she needed the run; prominent, pushed along early in straight, left behind over 2f out; shaped last year as if she'd stay this trip.

RASKOVA (USA) was hiked in the handicap following her spell in listed races towards the end of last season, overly so judged on this, though it was her first start for 6 months; chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out.

ELKAAYED (USA) seemed to do better than on his debut for the yard, though was never any sort of threat, and will need to show plenty more before he's of any interest; held up, effort early in straight, made no impression.

MOUNT LOGAN (IRE) easy to back, was back down in trip after 6 months off and probably needed the run, certainly not the first one the yard have run back this season to shape that way; raced wide, held up, pushed along early in straight, not quicken from 2f out; got his act together last autumn until getting stuck in the mud in the November Handicap on his final start and certainly not one to write off yet, will be suited by a return to 1½m.

GAELIC SILVER (FR) was back at a more realistic level though finished well held and it's unlikely he's well enough handicapped to make a serious impact in these kind of races on turf anyway; mid-field, ridden early in straight, faded.

SENNOCKIAN STAR again ran below form, his proximity owing plenty to the fact he could dictate; made running, headed over 2f out, weakened; plenty to prove at present.

WHAT ABOUT CARLO (FR) a C&D winner in the strong 3-y-o handicap on Derby day last year, was well backed to build on his staying-on fourth in the Lincoln, but produced a poor effort without any obvious excuse; mid-field, pushed along home turn, lost place 2f out.