EXETER 14:25

Non Runners: HELTENHAM (FR). Fences: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +25 yds

Time: 4m 13s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 31.1s (101.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 103.7%

The usual range of readiness for Exeter's highlight with all bar one of the quintet of second-season chasers coming back from breaks of at least 6½ months and the outcome may not prove a fair reflection of them, including so far as the pair who pulled clear are concerned; Sans Bruit ensured a fair gallop considering the lack of runners, yet the runner-up still sprinted home.

JPR ONE (IRE) maintained his record of having never had his colours lowered first time out, primed for the day returning tongue tied following a breathing operation to give the Tizzards a third reappearance success from the last 4 renewals of this prestigious prize, testament as well to the strides he's made since starting his chasing career beating 2 rivals in a Newton Abbot handicap from a BHA mark of 130; in touch, he loomed up before 4 out, jumped on at the second last and got far enough clear when committed at the last to hold the runner-up's eye-catching late flourish.

DJELO (FR) couldn't have shaped much better in defeat after 7 months off, leaving the impression he'd have overturned a winner whose connections probably had this early-season target as a higher priority under different circumstances or if they were to meet on similar terms again, taken wide to make his ground from last and flying home once asked for more effort on the run-in having taken the last more than 3 lengths down; still a mere 6-y-o, he's yet to peak and is one to keep firmly on the right side.

SANS BRUIT (FR) went with all his usual zip after 7 months off, a reappearance than ought to act as a springboard for another highly productive season, with his superbly accurate jumping alone sure to win him more races; he led until 2 out and was still little more than 3 lengths down crossing the last before his absence seemed to tell.

SCARFACE (IRE) was the only one with proven fitness but it didn't come close to bridging the obvious ability gap in this higher grade; in touch, lost ground gradually back straight, struggling before 4 out, plugged on.

ETALON (IRE) climbed the ranks in the style of a very smart performer in his first season over fences and won't be long in getting back on the up with this run under his belt, especially when back under more testing conditions (kept to softer than good previously); he went with zest close up and had yet to be asked for effort when steadied into 4 out, hitting that fence and then the next for good measure, after which he was immediately looked after.