PERTH 15:40

Non Runners: CAN'T BEAT HISTORY (IRE). Fences: 18. Race Distance Adjustment: +102 yds

Time: 6m 6.1s Closing Sectional: (3.1f): 42.8s (109.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A feeble finishing effort from the long-time leader and a feeble attempt at jumping boldly by another of the market principals didn't prevent a finish of considerable jeopardy as the run from the last alone seemed to be swinging first one way then the other between those that did turn up.

WASDELL DUNDALK (FR) showed the benefit of a much longer break as he bounced back to form to follow up his win from a much lower mark in the 2023 renewal, which had formed the middle leg of a C&D hat-trick; patiently ridden, shaken up home turn, good progress after 3 out, edged ahead approaching next, tackled still final 1f, kept on gamely.

OLIVERS TRAVELS (IRE) had his winning run ended only by a hardy battler far further along in his chasing career, though his jumping reverted to looking less-than-natural over more demanding fences than Worcester's, an 8 lb rise for his last win clearly fair regardless; waited with, jumped sketchily at times (notably 5 out), smooth headway again straight, pressed leader from 2 out, edged out as room tight from passing elbow, probably intimidated to some extent.

UNIVERSAL FOLLY fared better than previously for the yard after 11 weeks off; raced well off the pace, shaken up early final circuit, effort home turn, held final 100 yds.

THE GYPSY DAVEY (IRE) is proving expensive to follow, except this time he let himself down rather than suffering an agonising defeat; raced clear, jumped boldly, reduced advantage home turn, headed approaching 2 out, weakened.

SEA ASTER (IRE) had presumably been affected by her Wexford fall to jump with such little conviction, though it's also worth noting her lack of size generally; in touch early but tentative jumping meant she was behind from second and struggling some way out.