AINTREE 16:40

Non Runners: SANDYMOUNT DUKE (IRE). Hurdles: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +73 yds

Time: 6m 17.6s Closing Sectional: (3.2f): 50.9s (94.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 122%, Betfair SP 100.3%

Inevitably a race which featured its share of disappointments but the first 2 showed smart form, achieving more than the principals in the Spa at Cheltenham, the winner still unbeaten for connections; the pace was sound.

BALLYOPTIC (IRE) has made remarkable progress since beaten a long way in a bumper in Ireland on Boxing Day and, with the 5f longer trip suiting, proved tremendously game in clinging onto his unbeaten record over hurdles; mid-field, travelled well, led 3 out, headed after next, found plenty to lead again dying strides; this is smart form and there is every reason to expect him to make up into a leading staying novice chaser next season.

BELLSHILL (IRE) well backed, got his career back on track upped in trip/ridden with more restraint than usual and might have had the energy to hold on but for a late blunder; dropped out, travelled strongly, headway on bridle from end of back straight, upsides when bad mistake 2 out, led soon after, drifted right, worried out of it; will presumably have his next campaign geared towards the RSA Chase and, along with the winner, looks a very likely contender at this stage.

POTTERS LEGEND stayed the 5f longer trip, performing at least as well as when runner-up in a competitive handicap last time, yet to run a bad race in his career in fact; chased leaders, in contention 3 out, not fluent next, one paced, no match for principals.

BALKO DES FLOS (FR) shaped similarly to at Cheltenham, arguably promising more than he delivered given how he moved into contention, though he didn't drop right away like some others; patiently ridden, travelled fluently, mistake 4 out, looked poised when looming up 3 out, ridden after next, not quicken; remains with potential.

YALA ENKI (FR) wasn't disgraced but seems more effective under testing conditions; made running, headed circuit out, lost place approaching straight, merely plugged on.

DUKE DES CHAMPS (IRE) didn't get home on the day but is worth another chance at this trip, having shaped like a stayer on more testing ground over the winter; mid-field, ridden early in straight, weakened run-in.

ARKWRISHT (FR) ran better than the distance beaten suggests after 9 weeks off, looking well within his comfort zone for most of the way; chased leader, went with zest, went on circuit out, headed 3 out, folded; worth another chance at this trip given previous impressions.

AMI DESBOIS (FR) after 10 weeks off, was flying too high in this grade and finished well held; mid-field, lost place early final circuit.

BALLYDINE (IRE) looked to have been laid out for this race but proved to be a disappointement after 10 weeks off, another to let down the form of the River Don; prominent, not fluent, weakened after 4 out.

GANGSTER (FR) failed to come on for his run at Cheltenham and hasn't convinced at this trip in stronger company since his win in a small field at Fairyhouse; dropped out, effort after 4 out, weakened straight.

GHOST RIVER was out of his depth; in rear, jumped none too fluently, behind when pulled up before 3 out.

VINTAGE CLOUDS (IRE) couldn't reproduce his best form away from testing ground and Haydock's brush hurdles; handy, lost place before 4 out.

BAOULET DELAROQUE (FR) shaped as if amiss, in no way beaten by the longer trip; held up, lost place circuit out, pulled up.

MYSTICAL KNIGHT was found out in better company and a race run at a true tempo; waited with, beaten leaving back straight.

TOMNGERRY (IRE) had created a good impression in compiling his winning sequence, looking worth his place in this company, but proved to be a disappointment; mid-division, not settle fully, beaten 4 out; worth another chance.