Exit Smiling held up, smooth headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, shot clear, very readily

Observatory Star held up in rear, not clear run and switched outside over 1f out, took 2nd just inside final furlong, no chance with winner

Wigwam Willie chased leaders, kept on same pace approaching final furlong

Moheebb held up, effort in inside 4f out, not clear run until switched left inside final furlong, kept on

Billy Dane tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, faded over 1f out

Vicious Warrior led until over 1f out, soon faded

Tencendur tracked leaders, challenged over 2f out, faded final furlong

Crocodile Bay with leaders, weakened 2f out, eased inside final furlong

This had appeared to be a tight enough handicap, but EXIT SMILING ran out a convincing winner, quickening to get on top and dashing clear. His connections had been ‘devastated' when he finished distressed at Southwell last time but a six-week break has helped him back on song and this was a career best effort.

Observatory Star was held up and though never able to offer a serious threat to the winner he kept on and it was a decent enough first outing of the term.

Wigwam Willie couldn't really quicken when it mattered but kept on, and while he likes a deal of cut this may have been too tacky for him.

Billy Dane may have been doing just a bit too much in the early stages and did not handle the bend that well and had no more to offer inside the last quarter mile.

Vicious Warrior made a lot of the running, but another who likes plenty of cut, this may have been too tacky for him and granted suitable conditions there is race like this awaiting him.

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