LEICESTER 15:00

Non Runners: VON BLUCHER (IRE).

Time: 1m 22.63s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.9s (96%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 99.9%

The conditions of the race meant that 5 out of the 10 were wrong at the weights, diluting the competition a little, but so far as the 3-y-os that filled the places go this is form to view positively, with the runner-up putting up a pattern-class effort from a high mark and the winner destined for that level as well judged on the way he overcame an absence/trouble in the run to get up in the dying strides; the sixth set a sound pace and the principals all bided their time.

EMMAUS (IRE) a C&D winner on the first of 2 2-y-o outings, defied a market drift to make a winning handicap debut back from 12 months off, doing well to overcome inexperience and in-running trouble to get up late, looking every inch a group-race performer in the making; held up, travelled well, not clear run over 2f out, good progress approaching final 1f, found plenty to lead dying stride; he's an exciting prospect and looks just the type to win a big handicap in 2018, though connections might well have grander designs.

SIR DANCEALOT (IRE) well backed dropping down into a handicap from a Group 2, even though racing from a lofty mark (8 lb higher than when last in this sphere), produced a career best, doing everything right and unlucky to bump into a totally unexposed 3-y-o to whom he was conceding 10 lb; held up, took keen hold, good headway from 2f out, led final 100 yds, caught post; he's best in a well-run race in which he can get some cover, well up to winning Group 3s at least when getting that scenario.

HYDE PARK continues in good heart, needing no excuses behind a better-handicapped pair; mid-division, headway to lead over 1f out, headed final 100 yds, no extra.

VIA VIA (IRE) who was 5 lb wrong at the weights, looked rusty after 7 months off but shaped encouragingly by the finish and looks the sort to win more races assuming he can get a clear run at things (evidently hard to train); dwelt, raced off the pace, headway over 1f out, forced to switch final 1f, ran on.

RENE MATHIS (GER) wasn't disgraced, probably back in good nick but too exposed to cope with the ones that beat him; mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one paced, never landed a blow.

CAPTAIN COLBY (USA) 6 lb wrong at the weights, took a major step back in the right direction, showing way more zest than usual in the lead and fading only late as the combination of an aggressive ride and the longer trip took its toll; made running, went with enthusiasm, effort 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra; he's potentially very well treated if he can build on this

GEORGIAN BAY (IRE) faced a stiff task from a mark 8 lb higher than he'd be off in nearly all other handicaps; patiently ridden, pushed along over 2f out, made no impression.

WAR GLORY (IRE) 3 lb wrong at the weights, lasted long enough to think he probably remains in form; prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final 1f.

LONDON (FR) is better judged on previous form given the stiffness of his task at the weights (9 lb wrong); chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened.

CUSTOM CUT (IRE) in first-time visor, ran even worse, in handicap company for the first time since 2013; prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out.