EXETER 14:15

All 7 ran. Fences: 12.

Time: 4m 9.1s

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 101.2%

A good-quality renewal of Exeter's highlight of the season, featuring the best chaser of 2013/14 and 2 winners of Grade 1 novice events that campaign, though with none of the 7 runners out since the spring, it's no surprise that quite a few weren't at their best on the day, even if the winner certainly won in some style; the race took shape approaching 4 out.

GOD'S OWN (IRE) after 6 months off, showed much improved form, clearly everything right for him on the day despite not taking the eye beforehand; tracked pace, travelled well, just led when mistake 4 out, kept on well, in control last, kept up to work; still a novice in British terms and would set a very high standard back in that division, with the Henry VIII at Sandown next month an obvious target, given he's regarded as best right handed.

BALDER SUCCES (FR) ran well after 6 months off, likely to have run the winner rather closer without a significant error at a crucial stage; in touch, effort entering straight, every chance when bad mistake 3 out, ridden after, one paced approaching last; a good first effort out of the novice ranks and likely to be competitive in the top races this season.

OSCAR HILL (IRE) after 9 months off, had conditions to suit and ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade and 10 lb out of the handicap, though having the run of things, left alone in front; led, headed seventh, not quicken straight, plugged on; he did well on joining this yard last season and could yet have more to offer at the right level.

CUE CARD who missed the second half of last season after suffering a pelvic fracture in February, was strong in the market, looking fairly straight, and shaped as if retaining a fair amount of ability after 10 months off, having also had a breathing operation while off; tracked pace, disputed lead fifth, went on seventh, headed 4 out, no extra after next, not persevered with once held; short of the speed required around 2m under these conditions these days, and should give a much better indication of how his season will go in the Betfair Chase later in the month, a race he won in 2013, producing the best effort of the season over fences in doing so.

PEPITE ROSE (FR) was well held after 6 months off, shaping as if the race would bring her on; raced off the pace, left behind before 4 out, not persevered with once held.

SOMERSBY (IRE) had a fair bit more on than when winning this in 2013 and was below form after 6 months off; in touch, outpaced 4 out, bad mistake next; was runner-up twice in Grade 1 events at 2m last season, but the ravages of time may make a repeat difficult this time round.

HINTERLAND (FR) in first-time tongue strap, looked in good shape for his first start in 7 months but produced a similar display to when amiss in the Maghull at Aintree last time; held up, pulled hard, not fluent fifth, folded tamely early in straight, pulled up, reportedly bled; plenty to prove.