HUNTINGDON 14:45

All 6 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +84 yds

Time: 5m 22.2s Closing Sectional: (5.05f): 83.3s (96.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101.2%

The trademark forcing tactics on the enigmatic Mahons Glory not only broke this handicap apart but also placed too much emphasis on stamina for others to show their form, all making for a weak-looking race for the level.

MAHONS GLORY (IRE) capitalised on the drop in grade from a well-contested veterans event 7 weeks earlier, not helping himself with some trademark waywardness but put at a bigger advantage by forcing a gallop that stretched the others beyond their limit for either jumping or stamina; made all, jumped left from sixth and sometimes markedly so, ridden when threatened approaching straight, driven clear run-in after taking last more like 6 lengths to the good; he's been another advert for his Flat-oriented yard but doubling his tally for the season will take some doing from his reassessed mark.

TAX FOR MAX (GER) fared better than previously in this sphere but that doesn't make him all that interesting all of a sudden, even if there'll be tests more suitable for him than this one; waited with, crept closer after 3 out, edged into second last where deficit stood at 6 lengths before effort flattened out.

ICARE GRANDCHAMP (FR) shaped as if still in good form but lacked the stamina to prove it with something better in a race that really tested it thanks to the winner's tactics, his 2 wins at this trip as a novice having come on good ground; patiently ridden, jumped well, smooth headway 3 out, threatened soon after, pushed along home turn, weakened last.

WESTERNINTHEPARK (IRE) continues to disappoint, dropping back to this sort of trip for the first time this season not working the oracle; steadied at the start, took closer order after 3 out, lost ground again straight, beaten when jumped left 2 out.

LOUNGE LIZARD had been with Henry Daly when landing this race in the previous 2 seasons and didn't look the same force right away starting out for a yard struggling for winners with a tongue strap added after 4 months off (also had breathing operation during break); unable to lead so settled for pressing leader until 4 out, lost second next, struggling quickly.

REALLYNTRUTHFULLY (IRE) had been freshened up again only for his jumping to let him down, which likely explained how quickly he was done with in a demanding race shaped by the free-wheeling winner; in touch when blundered first, not fluent again seventh, tenth, beaten 4 out.