AYR 15:50

All 6 ran. Fences: 19. Race Distance Adjustment: +72 yds

Time: 6m 7.4s Closing Sectional: (2.15f): 29.3s (110.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 101.7%

A well-run race despite the small field, Sirwilliamwallace pestered by Bells of Peterboro from early on and ensuring jumping was tested, an improving novice passing the test with flying colours as he came clear with last year's winner in a sound-looking result.

HEREDITARY RULE (IRE) had seen his Clonmel win boosted by runner-up Gallyhill just the day before and made light of an opening chase mark considerably higher than anything he reached over hurdles, clearly an entirely different proposition for fences and getting better fast, the longer trip no issue but far from crucial to this latest progress; jumped superbly/travelled powerfully, in touch on inner, took closer order 5 out, going well when produced to lead next, quickened clear last, always holding on; he's got the tools to win more handicap chases.

EXIT TO WHERE (FR) further underlined he's back at the very top of his game, doing all he could in his bid to follow up his 2021 win in this but coming up a little short against an unexposed Irish raider, clearly back on a mark he can exploit; held up, took closer order home turn, effort 4 out, stayed on well but getting no closer near finish; one to note for other staying handicaps.

SIRWILLIAMWALLACE (IRE) is no more than averagely treated on balance but did show something like his form in another small field, despite arguably doing a shade too much too soon; made most until 4 out, no response 2 out.

BELLS OF PETERBORO (IRE) lacks the obvious size for chasing, but he's a trier with fairly useful hurdling form and emerged with credit faced with a fairly exacting first examination, entitled to progress on balance; pressed leader in well-run race but made some novicey mistakes, led briefly second, pushed along end of back straight, left behind gradually.

CHANTING HILL (IRE) followed a below-par effort with an even worse one; waited with, out wide, lost ground briefly ninth, ridden from fourteenth, struggling home turn.

IMPERIAL SACHIN'S (IRE) was badly let down by his jumping, a rare Scottish blip for this trainer/jockey lately; held up, jumped none too fluently, struggling when blundered again 5 out.