MUSSELBURGH 16:10 1i3365

Non Runners: VOLATILE ANALYST (USA).

Time: 1m 31.45s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.7s (96.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 101.5%

A soundly-run, useful handicap that looks solid form, the reliable Zip resuming winning ways from a 3-y-o, while the fifth would have been closer granted a clear age.

ZIP is a reliable performer, especially in these conditions, and confirmed promise of last run to record a sixth career success, showing a determinded attitude to fend off a host of challengers and justifying in the process; close up, travelled well, ridden under 2f out, led soon after, edged right 1f out, driven out.

FOOLS RUSH IN (IRE) whose last run is easily excused, has enjoyed a fruitful campaign and ran creditably, having no issues with the most testing ground he's faced; prominent, ridden when led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, edged left and bumped slightly 1f out, kept on.

NATIONAL LEAGUE (IRE) backed at long odds, isn't the most consistent but bounced back to form, albeit after seeming to take little interest for the most part; slowly into stride, soon behind, driven under 3f out, progress under 2f out, kept on well final 1f.

ON A SESSION (USA) had done especially well to finish as close as he had last time and turned in best effort of the season after 10 weeks off, his profile a generally consistent one this year; broke on , in touch, ridden 2f out, upsides 1f out, not quicken only late on.

DANZAN (IRE) with cheekpieces refitted (replacing usual blinkers), arrived in great heart and was unlucky not to finish closer, likely to have been in the mix for the places if not for suffering interference; raced wide, prominent, led briefly under 3f out, driven 2f out, every chance but winner starting to assert when snatched up entering final 1f, no chance after; he's eligible for much lesser contests than this, but his long losing run does temper ethusiasm slightly.

EAGLEWAY (FR) who'd had a breathing operation, was backed at long odds and ran respectably after 3 months off; mid-field, not settle fully, driven over 2f out, one paced.

HEY JONESY (IRE) had posted his best effort this season at around this trip but continues out of sorts, looking far from straightforward despite the repplication of more severe headgear (blinkers replacing cheekpieces); dwelt, mid-division, went with little fluency, carried head awkwardly, never landed a blow.

NORTHERN EXPRESS (IRE) arrived on the back of a win but is best not judged on this run, seeming unsuited by conditions, though his slow starts are something to monitor; slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous.

HAYADH unproven on the ground, followed a good run with a below-par one; mid-field, headway over 2f out, driven soon after, weakened over 1f out, not persevered with once held.

BRAVADO (FR) under a change of tactics, merely underlined his inconsistency; raced off the pace, always behind.

MUNTADAB (IRE) ran well below form, this level beyond his pay grade nowadays; led, took keen hold, headed under 3f out, weakened under 2f out.