FAIRYHOUSE 16:55

Non Runners: FLANKING MANEUVER (IRE). Fences: 16.

Time: 5m 16.5s Closing Sectional: (4f): 66.8s (95.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 101.5%

A race marred by the sad loss of Mighty Potter, one of only 2 in the field not trained by Willie Mullins, who claimed a fifth successive win in the race, though the suspicion is that none of the principals here are in the same class as recent winners such as Al Boum Photo and Galopin des Champs.

FLAME BEARER (IRE) confirmed his return to form in no uncertain manner, claiming a first Grade 1 success, though winning at this level in open company next winter is going to demand more; made all, went with zest, blundered 5 out (jumped well otherwise), kicked on leaving home turn, driven between last 2, all out to hold on.

SIR GERHARD (IRE) got his career back on track back down in trip and could well emerge as the best in this line-up given he's still relatively low mileage; waited with, jumped adequately, took closer order over circuit out, challenged from 3 out, every chance when lost momentum last, stayed on run-in, just failed.

APPRECIATE IT (IRE) ran to a similar level to previously despite suffering some ill luck in-running, but it was an uncharacteristic display even so and he's got a bit to prove on the back of this; in touch, jumped left, badly hampered tenth (rider lost irons briefly), in contention when going badly left 3 out and then hung left latter stages, plugged on all the while.

JAMES DU BERLAIS (FR) shaped better than the distance beaten suggests but, equally, has had his limitations exposed at this level on all 3 starts since his chasing debut; chased leader, not always fluent, upsides briefly 4 out, folded approaching 2 out.

AUTHORIZED ART (FR) looked rusty after 3 months off and needs sights lowering - the novice handicap at the Punchestown Festival later in the month appeals as an obvious next target, his yard having won 6 of the last 7 renewals of the race; mid-division, not always fluent and lost place early, beaten some way out.

ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (IRE) was again below form despite the return to shorter, always behind; he's another from the yard who'll be better off in the novice handicap rather than anything better if going to Punchestown.

MIGHTY POTTER (FR) met a sad end; in touch, not fluent third, in third when fell heavily tenth.

BRIDES HILL (IRE) faced a stiff task and can have a line put through this run; held up, badly hampered tenth, pulled up soon after.