ASCOT 14:05

All 8 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 44s Closing Sectional: (4.95f): 66.8s (105.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 98.7%

Introductory hurdles can be a bit hit and miss, though this one looked a fascinating race in anticipation, with a mix of novices and those that had won on their hurdling debut last season, and the 2 market leaders, both novices, fought out an exciting finish, though, as this race tends to be, it was a bit of a messy affair, things developing only in the straight, and the start was far from satisfactory, the starter surely at fault in allowing the field to depart when the runners were in such an elongated line, that the leader didn't make all neither here nor there.

DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO (IRE) built on hurdling debut promise, just getting the better of a similarly promising sort in a tactical affair, a shade more clued up, sure to be making an impact in graded company sooner rather than later; in touch, travelled well, effort 2 out, edged ahead run-in; one to keep on right side.

THOMAS DARBY (IRE) is still a work in progress and he did plenty wrong again, not quite able to get away with it against a similarly promising sort, still plenty more races to be won with him as he matures, though perhaps not going to come fully into his own until tackling fences next season; in touch, not always fluent, took keen hold, led before last, kept on, edged out late on; open to further improvement.

HIGHEST SUN (FR) a winning stayer on the Flat and successful at Chateaubriant on his only hurdling start, shaped very well on his first outing since leaving Jean-Luc Guillochon after 7 months off, still on the bridle at the last, but his rider clearly concerned he'd go left once ridden, that proving the case; chased leader, jumped left, travelled well, led fifth, headed approaching last, hung left, no extra final 1f; will stay beyond 2m; he'll presumably be in handicaps next, the Gerry Feilden perhaps an option, a lot to like about him physically, a left-handed track sure to show him to better advantage.

RATOUTE YUTTY who'd had a breathing operation, shaped with plenty of encouragement on first outing since leaving Robbie McNamara after 12 months off, not ideally placed as things developed, spared a hard race; slowly into stride, in rear, mistake fifth, crept closer after 3 out, pushed along straight, not quicken last; as she's not a novice, she has fewer options, handicaps the most likely route after this.

COMMANCHE RED (IRE) after 7 weeks off, failed to progress from hurdling debut, the 3f shorter trip and the emphasis on speed surely against him, a return to a left-handed track also required; led, jumped left, took keen hold, hung left fourth, headed next, every chance approaching 2 out, one paced.

ROCK STEADY (IRE) caught the eye on his second start over hurdles, very sympathetically handled after his mishap last time and a fair bit better than the bare result; slowly into stride, held up, travelled well, headway before 3 out, not quicken approaching last, not fluent there, not persevered with once held; capable of better.

ANOTHER GO (IRE) after 11 weeks off, was outclassed in this grade, soon toiling once the pace finally increased; slowly into stride, in rear, mistake fifth, left behind after next.

BENNY'S BRIDGE (IRE) was an early casualty, not making much of a mistake but coming down all the same; slowly into stride, held up, fell second.