MUSSELBURGH 15:20

Non Runners: PASS MUSTER, OVERPRICED. Hurdles: 9.

Time: 3m 53.9s

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 99.3%

Not a strong race for the grade overall, but at least the finish was fought out by a couple of handicap debutants, the winner let in off a lenient mark judged on his Flat exploits; the gallop was steady, things developing from the end of the back straight.

COOL SKY ran best race in this sphere switched to handicapping and appeals as the type who could run up a sequence, starting out on a lowly mark given his fairly useful Flat form and scoring here in spite of the drop back in trip/steady gallop, the scenario serving to mask his superiority in fact; held up, untidy fourth and 3 out, headway after latter error, upsides when awkward at last, kept on well to get on top final 100 yds; will be better granted an increased emphasis on stamina and his jumping should improve as he gains in experience, so one to keep on the right side.

BELLGROVE (IRE) ran to a level more in keeping with his bumper form making handicap debut after 13 weeks off, and will do better still as his jumping improves, marking him out as shortlist material for a similar event in the coming weeks; made running, went with zest, made several mistakes, including 3 out and 2 out, joined at last and unable to live with another improver but stuck to task, pulling clear of the rest; tends to carry head high but there looks nothing wrong with his attitude.

LONE FOOT LADDIE (IRE) ran easily his best race of the campaign after a short break, but had no excuses the way things panned out and probably needs further respite from the assessor; mid-field, shaken up 3 out, every chance approaching last, no extra.

COOL BARANCA (GER) failed to build on the mild promise of her Kelso run 8 weeks ago; raced prominently, lost place early in straight, soon done with; not one to be interested in at present despite slipping mark.

TOM WADE (IRE) was over a more suitable trip than when last seen in this sphere but is almost certainly better on a sounder surface (also took well to fitting of tongue strap last summer), and with conditions against him he duly found little when push came to shove; mid-field, raced freely, shaken up 3 out, lugged right and soon beaten; will probably be back down to last winning mark when next seen.

DANTE'S FROLIC was all set to record another creditable effort when blundering and unseating at the last, around 2 lengths behind the leaders at the time, but wouldn't have won and does need some respite from the handicapper; handy, took keen hold, every chance 2 out, looked one paced and booked for fourth when departing.