LEICESTER 13:45

All 4 ran. Fences: 15.

Time: 5m 25.5s Closing Sectional: (3.25f): 46.8s (111.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 105%, Betfair SP 100.1%

All 4 could boast at least fairly useful form from one sphere or another yet this ended up all about a fast-improving winner who looked to be toying with his 2 remaining pursuers in the straight, Acting Lass running to a borderline smart level; the pace was only modest but it had no bearing on the outcome.

ACTING LASS (IRE) has kept it low key so far but has the tools to operate on a much bigger stage, even more to like about this defeat of a slightly better-quality trio than he'd seen off at Market Rasen 7 weeks earlier, conceding weight to all following a 6 lb rise yet always having things under control, impressing most with his jumping - having tanked his way into the lead before the fourth - and again doing no more than necessary, extra there if required had Ballyarthur's rally taken him any closer; he's an exciting prospect to keep on the right side for a watchful trainer who did similarly good work with American in his first season chasing.

BALLYARTHUR (IRE) still has room for improvement in his jumping yet clearly fared much better than previously in this sphere with his usual tongue strap left off, underlining his stamina as he gave a smart one most to think about; led until second, lost ground fifth, rallied back straight, ridden when mistakes tenth, 3 out, chased leader approaching last, stayed on, as if worth another try around 3m.

BALLYDINE (IRE) ran to a similar level as on his chasing bow, encouraging given the time he'd been absent prior to that, though the quicker turnaround might have just told late; pressed leader, jumped on second, headed before fourth, pushed along before 3 out, no extra last; still open to improvement, he can win one of these provided he stays sound.

CULTIVATOR failed badly to repeat the form of his preceding effort here 7 weeks on, seemingly no stranger to a flop (on edge temperamentally); in touch, clouted second, lost ground ninth, never going well after, lost touch before straight.