PUNCHESTOWN 16:10

Non Runners: FIGHTER ALLEN (FR). Fences: 17.

Time: 6m 14.6s Closing Sectional: (3.45f): 52.8s (105.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99%

Varying degrees of fitness in all probability, Minella Indo the only one of the trio of Grade 1 winners in the line-up to run anywhere near its recent best; the pace was sound.

MINELLA INDO (IRE) was strong in the betting and made a winning return from 7 months off, but the fact he's been pulled up amiss on 3 of his last 5 tries in Grade 1 company clearly tempers enthusiasm for his prospects when back facing stiffer tasks; prominent, typically jumped well, took over fifth, pressed on some way out, quickened clear home turn, in control when idled approaching last and closed down late on.

HURRICANE GEORGIE (IRE) seemed to excel herself in the face of a stiff task though could prove flattered, more than a hint of her picking up the pieces due to her being the only race-fit runner in the line-up; dropped out, blundered first, still plenty to do 5 out, rapid headway between 3 out and 2 out, kept on well.

DELTA WORK (FR) will almost certainly have another campaign geared around the Grand National and cross-country chases, and should be sharper for this return from 6 months off (easy to back); raced in third early, blundered eleventh, ridden after 3 out, plugged on latter stages.

PANDA BOY (IRE) was given a considerate return from 6 months off and should be sharper for the run; waited with, still plenty to do 5 out, late headway without being unduly knocked about.

CONFLATED (IRE) shaped as if needing the run after 6 months off (easy to back), though the fact he's now twice failed to back up his effort in the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a concern; led until fifth (untidy there), tended to jump left thereafter, mistake 5 out, still a clear second when ridden home turn, folded from 2 out.