WINDSOR 16:20 5i2a5s

Non Runners: PETTOCHSIDE, BERNARDO O'REILLY, ROMAN RIVER.

Time: 1m 12.3s Closing Sectional: (3.38f): 39.75s (101.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 101.2%

A useful handicap, pretty competitive for the time of year, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a few of them winning in the coming weeks; the pace was good.

DIAMOND DOUGAL (IRE) after 5 months off, proved better than ever, winning first-time-out for the second season running; mid-field, headway 2f out, led final 1f, stayed on; he mostly held his form last year despite not winning again and is likely to remain competitive this time round.

EQUITATION is shaping up well and was unlucky not to push the winner close back on turf; held up, headway when denied a run approaching final 1f, forced to switch, ran on.

HANDYTALK (IRE) doesn't win much but resumes on an fair mark and shaped as if retaining all ability after 6 months off, which makes him one to be interested in; prominent, led over 1f out, headed final 1f, one paced.

PRIVATE MATTER wasn't all that likeable in his time for Richard Fahey but shaped fairly encouragingly starting out for a new yard after 6 months off, leaving the impression he'll be sharper for the outing; raced wide, headway under 2f out, one paced.

MAJOR PUSEY shaped as if better for the run after 6 months off; led until over 1f out, no extra; he didn't win last season but did go close off this mark.

EMBOUR (IRE) gelded since last seen, wasn't disgraced after 8 months off and remains lightly raced enough to think he may yet resume his progress; mid-division, shaken up 2f out, not quicken.

BEYOND EQUAL progressive last season, was well backed to keep up the good work but ran too freely back from 6 months off, not the first time he's spoiled his chance by failing to settle; close up, pulled hard, effort 2f out, weakened inside final 1f; he may yet get back on the up with this behind him.

LIGHTNING CHARLIE back on turf, was below form; dwelt, raced off the pace, shaken up 2f out, made no impression.

GABRIAL THE SAINT (IRE) perhaps has Chester in May (where he won last year) on the agenda and didn't have a hard race under a claimer back from 7 months off (during which time he'd had a wind op), not that it could be described as an especially encouraging effort, and it remains to be seen whether he can recapture his best 3-y-o form (well treated based on that); raced off the pace, ridden 2f out, no impression.

DOC SPORTELLO (IRE) was always behind having a rare run on turf.

MOSTAHEL was well held on first outing since leaving Richard Hannon after 7 months off; chased leaders, weakened over 1f out; his stable does well with similar types but it's getting on for 2 years since he produced a solid piece of form.