CHELTENHAM 14:25

Non Runners: ROYAL MER (FR), MADARA (FR). Fences: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +19 yds

Time: 3m 52.1s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 53.2s (102.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 104.8%

Five of the 8 were reappearing for the first time since the spring, 2 of the 3 with recent runs up in class, so this wasn't the strongest of handicaps for its value, but it was well run and the form among the principals looks solid.

CALICO (GER) had dropped to a mark 1 lb below that off which he ran really well at the November meeting on his return last season, and barely needed to improve to go one better, doing the minimum once in front, that likely to mean he remains on a competitive mark; handy, mistake 4 out, loomed up straight, led 2 out, ridden, idled run-in, all out to hold on.

MATATA (IRE) taken to post early after barely appearing in the paddock at all, was on his best behaviour once racing and ran right up to the pick of his novice form, enough in this to suggest he can go one better before long; close up, travelled well, led second, ridden when headed 2 out, kept on run-in, just failed.

DANCING ON MY OWN (IRE) off the same mark as last season, made a good fist of trying to win this race for a second time, giving best only from the last; travelled well, led until second, tracked pace after, shaken up straight, every chance 2 out, no extra run-in.

COASTGUARD STATION (IRE) wasn't disgraced in a better race than he'd been contesting; in rear, steady headway 3 out, ridden before 2 out, hung left, weakened last.

SCARFACE (IRE) looked to be carrying condition after 6 months off and was below form over a shorter trip than he is usually asked to tackle, his next run likely to be a better guide to his current form; handy, shaken up 3 out, not quicken.

TRIPLE TRADE runner-up in this on his reappearance last season, shaped as if needing the run this time after a similar period off; held up, not fluent 3 out, ridden after, weakened next; he won at the November meeting after his return last season, a bigger gap to bridge to repeat the feat this time.

SIR TIVO (FR) ran poorly for the second start running, in a better race and off just 9 days; held up, left behind before 3 out, pulled up straight.

ARCLIGHT had been let down by her jumping when pulled up in the Pendil on her final start of last season and it was the same story here, her jockey wisely calling it a day after a third significant mistake; in touch, bad mistake second, mistake fifth, hit eighth, pulled up.