LINGFIELD PARK 14:20 6a385p

All 9 ran.

Time: 57.69s Closing Sectional: (2f): 22.55s (101.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 99.4%

A high-end handicap that was dominated by the top-weights, Corinthia Knight laying down a marker for the All-Weather Sprint Final on Good Friday by successfully giving weight away all round; as is usually the case, the run of the race proved a factor in the result, a few best not judged on this.

CORINTHIA KNIGHT (IRE) got back on the up with a recent run under his belt, the less forceful tactics perhaps the key to him seeing the race out better rather than the drop in trip given that he won over the Sprint Final C&D in the 3-y-o Sprint earlier in the year; mid-field, effort home turn, led inside final 1f, driven out; this was an effort bordering on very smart under his big weight, and he'll be a serious contender back here on Good Friday and in the listed races here before then.

GRACIOUS JOHN (IRE) confirmed the impression created on his last run, back to form over a trip which probably suits him better than further; held up, effort home turn, ran on late; he's handicapped to win, successful from a higher mark last winter.

TERUNTUM STAR (FR) was having just his second start on all-weather and again ran creditably, is holding his form better of late than has sometimes been the case; mid-field, pushed along halfway, ran on late; he's raced mostly at 6f, and a return to that trip will do no harm.

VERNE CASTLE had beaten the winner at Chelmsford earlier in the year but again ran just respectably, again probably guilty of doing a bit too much too soon; led, headed inside final 1f, weakened final 100 yds.

ALSVINDER found things tougher in this company, not able to dominate this in the same way he had at Kempton; chased leaders, ridden soon after halfway, one paced.

JUST THAT LORD shaped as if needing the run after 5 months off, this also a stronger race than he need contest from his mark; chased leader, ridden early in straight, weakened inside final 100 yds.

CAPTAIN LARS (SAF) had proved better than ever over C&D last time, and this is a race than can quickly have a line drawn through it; anticipated start and awkward leaving stalls as a result, forcing his rider to be more patient than would usually be the plan, ridden 2f out and never involved.

TOMILY (IRE) was back on all-weather, but just isn't firing like he can, in a lull for a while now; patiently ridden, pushed along home turn, never a threat, albeit not knocked about.

COX BAZAR (FR) ran poorly on first outing since claimed from C. Ferland in after 5 weeks off, looking a hard ride; slowly into stride, held up, took strong hold, hung badly right home turn, made no impression.