NAAS 14:50

Non Runners: FINE RIGHTLY (IRE). Fences: 13.

Time: 5m 37.3s Closing Sectional: (4.35f): 70.8s (103.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 129%, Betfair SP 99.3%

The first running of this race as a handicap was rewarded with a deep field and it's form to be positive about, a number of the market leaders coming to the fore, the front 2 both posting improved performances.

EMPIRE OF DIRT (IRE) in command when falling 2 out at Thurles last month, made amends in no uncertain fashion, producing a fluent round of jumping and matching the pick of his hurdling form with the promise of more to come; prominent, upsides fourth, went on approaching sixth, shaken up between last 2, kept going well; bred to stay 3m, he is capable of developing into a smart staying chaser.

CHAMPAGNE JAMES (IRE) has yet to score over fences but has run several sound races in defeat, this his best, suited by the return to 2½m; waited with, not always fluent, headway from 3 out, chased leader approaching last, stayed on, pulled clear of remainder; has a maiden/novice at his mercy, though connections are entitled to have loftier targets in mind (holds a pair of entries at Cheltenham); one to be interested in either way.

ASITSOHAPPENS (IRE) ran well having attracted support, pitched into a competitive handicap on just his third start over fences, 5 lb out of the weights to boot; raced wide, patiently ridden, travelled as well as any, headway approaching sixth, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on.

BALLYADAM APPROACH (IRE) ran creditably, another to be racing from out of the handicap, 7 lb in his case; disputed lead until circuit out, remained prominent, yet to be asked for maximum effort when blundered 2 out, shaken up soon after, one paced; sure to win an ordinary event from his correct mark.

BISHOPS ROAD (IRE) wasn't disgraced, seemingly beaten on merit on the day, though he does remain unexposed in the grand scheme of things; prominent, upsides fourth, ridden approaching 2 out, faded run-in.

BOTHAIR CLEI (IRE) 3 lb out of the weights, had his winning run ended, but shaped as if still in good form after 8 weeks off; waited with, went with zest, ridden when badly hampered 2 out (rider lost irons), no further impression.

SIZING COAL (IRE) following a short break, suffered the first blip of his chasing career in the face of this competitive assignment; mid-division, mistake first, weakened 3 out.

DOWN ACE (IRE) was below form, failing to see her race out despite dropping back in trip; disputed lead until fourth, remained prominent until faltered 2 out.

DRAYCOTT PLACE (IRE) can generally be relied upon at the right level (out of depth latest), but he turned in a below-par effort switched to handicap company for the first time in this sphere; raced wide, mid-division, crept closer fifth, folded 4 out.

BAND OF BLOOD (IRE) making handicap debut over fences after 9 weeks off, proved disappointing for the second start in a row; in touch, made mistakes, weakened 3 out and eased.

GALLANT TIPP (IRE) took a step forward at Fairyhouse last time and is worth another chance to back up/build on that, upsides the eventual third here when coming to grief; held up, not fluent seventh, ridden when fell 2 out, likely to have finished in frame; on a fair mark.

SIR HARRY CASH 5 lb out of the handicap, ran poorly after 7 weeks off; in rear, struggling 5 out.

CALL ROG (IRE) ran no sort of race after 9 weeks off, jumping issues a recurring theme with him; in rear, jumped sketchily, labouring badly sixth.

ONCE AND ALWAYS (IRE) had a first-time tongue strap replacing cheekpieces, but he was again below form after 8 weeks off; mid-division, weakening when mistake 5 out, faltered.

CARRIGANOG (IRE) has caught the eye on occasions over fences, his previous outing easy to excuse, but this was simply a lacklustre display; in rear, struggling seventh.