RIPON 14:10

All 8 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +8 yds

Time: 2m 1.31s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.85s (103.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 101.8%

A useful handicap in which the pace was not so strong as anticipated, with Sameem not asked to force it this time, the tempo lifting in the straight, and it probably paid to be prominent, though the first 2 were arguably the most interesting pair anyway.

DARK JEDI (IRE) was easy to back, but continued his excellent start for his new yard, not troubled to follow up his Hamilton win under a penalty; tracked pace, travelled well, had to wait for gap 2f out, quickened to lead final 100 yds, had bit in hand; he's still likely to have a bit of slack on his initial mark last year, even once reassessed, and may well be of interest again.

NICKLAUS in a lesser race, built on his reappearance, showing himself effective at the trip at the second attempt; led, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, kept on, headed final 100 yds, not quicken.

ARCTIC FOX got back on track, all the better for her return, just taking a while to hit full stride, kept to this trip; patiently ridden, had to wait for gap 3f out, ridden over 2f out, not quicken, switched over 1f out, kept on final 50 yds.

HESSLEWOOD (IRE) ran creditably, patiently ridden over the longer trip, doing enough to think he's effective over it; held up, effort 3f out, stayed on from 2f out, never on terms.

BENADALID wasn't in quite the same form as last time, the race not panning out so well as anticipated perhaps; dropped out, ridden early in straight, not quicken, stayed on approaching final 1f, never on terms.

SAMEEM (IRE) failed to build on the promise of his last run, more patiently ridden, perhaps his finishing effort last time due to reasons other than fitness, given his recent profile and his tame finish here; in touch, effort over 3f out, every chance 2f out, hung right, weakened; something to prove.

STAR OF SOUTHWOLD (FR) was well held in first-time cheekpieces, plenty to prove at the moment; close up, took keen hold, folded tamely over 2f out.

MULLIGATAWNY (IRE) was closely matched with the winner from last time and had produced solid efforts on both starts this year, but just ran no sort of race, presumably amiss; held up, pushed along soon after start, ridden early in straight, dropped away soon after, eased.