CHELTENHAM 13:45

Non Runners: MONSIEUR LECOQ (FR). Fences: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +35 yds

Time: 3m 58.4s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 55.3s (100.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 103.5%

This wasn't especially competitive for the prize on offer and a few failed to run up to expectations, the first 3 all returning for the first time this season but obviously fit enough to do themselves justice; the pace was a fair one, the tempo lifting from before 3 out.

AMARILLO SKY (IRE) was in a lesser race than for his last 2 starts last season and got back on the winning trail after 7 months off, his jumping and attitude standing him in good stead, this not a deep contest and a bit more likely to be required when he's reassessed; led, jumped well in main, went with zest, not fluent fifth, joined briefly, tackled entering straight, kept on well from last, ridden out.

FUGITIF (FR) had run well for a long way in the Red Rum on his final start last season and did enough on his return to suggest there could be a race in him off this sort of mark away from the most competitive 2m handicaps; handy, shaken up straight, mistake 2 out, hung left, rallied late on.

GREY DIAMOND (FR) had been off 10 months since his mishap at Wincanton and shaped as if retaining all his ability, his absence just telling late on after he'd looked the main threat to the winner; in touch, headway before 3 out, challenged entering straight, no extra after last; he's been pretty consistent over fences and likely to continue to go well.

GOLD DES BOIS (FR) wasn't disgraced, though pretty readily put in his place in a tougher race than those he'd won at Kelso on his last 2 starts; prominent, took keen hold, lost place 3 out.

THE GLANCING QUEEN (IRE) less exposed than most, was well backed after 7 months off but seemed somewhat rusty, her jumping just a bit ponderous, her next run likely to give a better idea of her current form; in touch, not always fluent, pushed along before 4 out, mistake next, labouring after.

HASANKEY (IRE) wasn't in the same form as last time, this possibly coming sooner than ideal after his return; held up, shaken up before 3 out, left behind before straight.

CAPTAIN TOM CAT (IRE) failed to revive in first-time blinkers under a change of tactics; held up, pushed along before halfway, bad mistake eighth, pulled up.

MALYSTIC attracted support but ran poorly, reported to have scoped dirty after the race; held up, not fluent ninth, lost touch after next, pulled up straight.