MUSSELBURGH 16:00

Non Runners: BARWICK, INNOCENT TOUCH (IRE).

Time: 2m 58.77s Closing Sectional: (3.00f): 35.45s (110.0%)

This may not have had the strength associated with most 0-100 handicaps, but the form amongst those that turned up looks sound at the very least, with one who's done nothing but improve all year taking things up another notch to see off a pair of 3-y-os; the pace was on the modest side, and, as ever around here, it paid not to be too far back.

PRESSURE POINT on a roll that's showing no sign of stopping, progressed again to follow up his Ripon success from a 3 lb higher mark, this a good race to be stepping up in trip as it went, seeing it out well but not before his change of gear had put a seal on matters; mid-field, smooth headway approaching 3f out, led 2f out, quickened clear entering final 1f, kept on well and just pushed out to maintain advantage; already a fine advert for the talents of his trainer, this latest win coming off a mark fully 22 lb higher than his first of the season, and with any further rise likely to be fairly minimal he's one to keep on the right side, arguably proving as likeable as he is progressive.

FUTURE EMPIRE runner-up in a fairly thin-looking Group 3 last time, stepped up on even that effort making handicap debut, beaten without excuse on the day, though he's increasingly looking an out-and-out stayer, so a return to further may just help him eke out that bit more; tracked pace, challenged over 2f out, not quicken entering final 1f but stuck to task.

YORKIDDING back up in trip after just 6 days off, ran up to her best, having to come from further back than the pair that beat her but probably no better than third best on the day; soon steadied, travelled fluently, steady headway from early in straight, close up approaching final 1f, kept on; will remain of interest, not out of the question than she can step up again.

MIGHTY YAR (IRE) wasn't disgraced but is yet to recapture the peak of his form from last season, acknowledging that he wasn't well placed as this went; slowly into stride, held up, progress from 3f out, ran on without ever looking a threat.

ICON DREAM (IRE) back down in trip, ran about as well as he was entitled to in a much deeper grade of handicap than he needs to be contesting; handy, not quicken around 3f out, plugged on.

KIWAYU ran to a similar level as last time, yet to really hit his straps this season, though wasn't seen to full effect on this occasion; raced off the pace, effort 3f out, keeping on when not clear run over 1f out, never on terms.

SHREWD ran better than last time but looks on a harsh mark based on anything he's done in the last couple of years; in rear, made no impression.

CROQUEMBOUCHE (IRE) seen to absolute maximum effect under a good ride at York 12 weeks earlier, and whilst it was no surprise to see him fail to back that up off a 6 lb higher mark, this was simply a below par effort, the longer trip probably compounding matters; made running, headed 2f out, weakened, eased off.

HARDSTONE (USA) reportedly suffered a breathing problem on first outing since leaving John Patrick Murtagh; mid-field, lost place quickly 3f out, pulled up inside final 1f.