NEWCASTLE 17:50

All 9 ran.

Time: 1m 14.75s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.55s (97.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 101.4%

An open handicap that looks likely to make for solid form; the early pace seemed no better than fair but the leader picked up far enough out into a headwind to think that the first pair were advantaged in coming from off the pace; a couple in behind would have made more of an impact with a clear run.

ATHOLLBLAIR BOY (IRE) after just 5 days off, found things panning out well, the race run into a headwind, as he recorded a fifth course win; steadied at the start, waited with, avoided trouble around 2f out, smooth headway soon after, produced to lead final 100 yds, well on top finish, hands-and-heels ride; did this readily but will be off a career-high mark as a result and isn't certain to be seen to as good effect next time.

GLENAMOY LAD ran creditably after a further 10 weeks off, no surprise if he strips a little fitter for this too (very easy to back); steadied at the start, held up, headway under 2f out, kept on though not knocked about at all once the winner came past.

JUNGLE SPEED (FR) who'd been bought out of Fabrice Chappet's yard for €16,000 and gelded, was a big price but ran up to something like his best after 4 months off, shaping quite well given he bore the brunt of the headwind; led, kicked on under 2f out, headed final 100 yds, lost second dying strides.

MIA MENTO (IRE) an interesting sort on paper, was unlucky not to finish closer making all-weather debut on first outing since leaving Thomas Mullins after 7 months off, suffering major interference at the hands of her full brother no less; in touch, effort when badly hampered on stand rail under 2f out, switched entering final 1f, kept on, not unduly punished at all; she's one to keep an eye on.

BARRINGTON (IRE) wasn't in quite the same form this time under a change of jockey (one who picked up a 4-day careless ridng ban); chased leader, edged right and hampered rival under 2f out, not quicken late on.

RECKLESS ENDEAVOUR (IRE) easy to back, is best not judged on this run, caught in the backwash of the interference ahead, though the fact that he again failed to travel is a bit concerning; raced well off the pace, went in snatches, effort when no room under 2f out, not recover.

LUCKY LODGE back under a fully-fledged rider, failed to justify good support after just 3 days off, short turnarounds rarely having been an issue for him in the past, though perhaps his position close to the pace and into the headwind means he's best given a pass for this; tracked pace, ridden over 2f out, faded final 1f.

EPEIUS (IRE) back in headgear, again ran poorly, without an obvious excuse this time, either; mid-division, not quicken 2f out, soon beaten.

LADY OF ARAN (IRE) who attracted support, disappointed in a major way making tapeta debut back at 6f; mid-field, not quicken 2f out, soon beaten; she's probably best not judged too harshly on this back on polytrack next time.