MUSSELBURGH 15:35

All 14 ran.

Time: 3m 3.89s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.35s (105.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 102.6%

The 2 4-y-os at the head of the market ran stinkers and the finish of a well-run handicap was fought out chiefly by the others towards the top of the weights, Kihavah edging ahead late in the day from a trio of similarly likeable types, enough known about the quartet not to believe any of them actually improved.

KIHAVAH has been a cracking flagbearer for this yard over the last few years and, out just 7 days after blundering away his chance in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, landed a similarly valuable prize back on the Flat, taking his career earnings in this sphere to over £250,000; mid-field, progress against far rail from 2f out, edged ahead final 50 yds; he rarely runs a poor race and can hardly go up much more for this.

AIMERIC ran a cracker from his highest ever mark back in a handicap after 6 months off, proving himself fully effective over this far when the emphasis isn't on stamina; tracked pace, travelled fluently, produced to lead under 3f out, worn down final 50 yds; he'll probably be campaigned in a similar manner to last year, attempting to pck up a listed prize doubtless the aim.

LOUGHVILLE bounced back to her very best after 5 months off, getting away from the mud arguably a help for all she won on heavy ground when she was much lower in the weights; in touch, pushed along 5f out, chased leaders over 2f out, responded well.

WISE EAGLE (IRE) had won this from 5 lb lower in 2023 and did as well as he can after 9 weeks off, his record at the track very hard to knock; patiently ridden, still plenty to do under 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, nearest at the finish.

LA PULGA (IRE) is a likeable type who typically gave his all after 5 months off, especially considering he had a far from easy time of it up front; made running, headed around halfway, every chance over 2f out, no extra final 100 yds.

EMIYN (FR) wasn't disgraced after 5 months off, especially with Chester in mind next month (runner-up in Chester Cup last year), though an increasing tendency to miss the break does make him a rather iffy concern these days; dwelt, in rear, headway under pressure from 2f out, never nearer.

FAYLAQ after 7 months off, wasn't that far below the pick of his 2024 form but should be sharper for the run all the same, typically travelling comfortably for a long way; dropped out, came wide straight, never landed a blow.

LAAFY (USA) in first-time cheekpieces, showed benefit of reappearance whilst never really threatening to play a part in the finish, his head carriage a bit high to boot; steadied at the start, in rear, ridden early in straight, kept on, never on terms.

STRUTH (IRE) was ridden too aggressively after 8 months off, acknowledging he's not really one to be making excuses for; pressed leader, went on around halfway, headed under 3f out, weakened gradually.

CHILLINGHAM (IRE) has won when fresh but was below form after 5 months off, the way he hung in the straight suggesting maybe all wasn't well on the day; mid-field, took keen hold, left behind from 2f out, hung right; he doesn't normally stay down for long.

LIEBER POWER ran no better than on return; held up, never dangerous; should stay 1¾m.

WILD WAVES (IRE) had been gelded since last seen (in the St Leger) 7 months earlier and was too fresh on his return, also possible the tight track wasn't in his favour; in touch, not settle fully, shaken up 3f out, no response, heavily eased off; he's best forgiven this when assessing his chance next time, likeable at 3 yrs and no reason why he wouldn't train on.

INTINSO back on turf, was sent off one of the outsiders and ran poorly after 8 weeks off; prominent, shaken up 3f out, soon beaten.

ALIGN THE STARS (IRE) was turned out again quickly after his reappearance and, whilst done no favours by missing a beat at the stalls, still ran poorly back in a handicap; dwelt, mid-field and trapped wide from his draw, pushed along entering straight, beaten over 2f out, eased.