CARLISLE 14:37

Non Runners: HOMBRE DE GUERRA (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +17 yds

Time: 5m 16.32s Closing Sectional: (3.1f): 44.2s (110.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 101.5%

Another small field for this but, as ever, still a starting point for some good-quality novices of the previous one and Resplendent Grey couldn't have made a much better return considering the drop in trip in a sprint finish against a Grade-1 winning novice from last season who'd had his own way in front.

RESPLENDENT GREY (IRE) had a shorter trip and 6-month absence to overcome starting a season that probably has races like the Grand National as main targets yet passed the different test with flying colours, notwithstanding one of last season's premier novice chasers in second probably wasn't at his best; chased leader, pushed along after 2 out, effort soon after last, led inside final 1f, ridden out; nearer to hand, he'd have to be high on the shortlist for the old Hennessy at the end of the month, with the long home straight likely to give him plenty of time for his trademark late surge to wind up.

HANDSTANDS (IRE) couldn't land the odds after 7 months off, looking the pick of the weights on his high-quality novice form but lacking the sort of zip first time back that had characterised his first season chasing; made running, normally jumps much better, shaken up after 3 out, headed inside final 1f, not quicken; perhaps he'll be sharper for the outing.

HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA (IRE) faced a stiff task sent chasing in a race of this prestige against older rivals of the opposite sex yet didn't look out of place, her jumping likely to improve for the experience; waited with, out wide, mistakes second, sixth, quickened soon after 2 out, threatened briefly, jumped left last, held inside final 1f; she had a productive time as a novice hurdles and winning races over fences should prove a doddle.

THE KALOOKI KID shaped as if needing the run after 7 months off and can be placed to further advantage back in good-class handicaps with this behind him, perhaps starting with the December Gold Cup (tends to be weaker than Paddy Power and yard won race with Guitar Pete in 2017); waited with, smooth headway from 3 out, threatened briefly last, no further impression.