SALISBURY 17:20

Non Runners: CHARTBREAKER (FR).

Time: 3m 8.9s Closing Sectional: (3.25f): 41.20s (105.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 102.6%

Hand time

A competitive race on paper, less so in the event, not many in it, only Endless Acres penetrating the trio that were at the front of the field throughout, the pace steady for a mile or so, a struggle to make up ground in the home straight, where they all came stand side.

CHAMPAGNE CHAMP had found the Cesarewitch Trial a bridge too far, for stamina as much as anything, but either side of that there's been a wave of improvement, a promising portent for next year as well, though it may be too tempting to see what he can do over hurdles in the meantime; prominent tactics was a help but not the overriding factor, and he didn't leave the door open to anything else once he went on over 1f out, strong to the end.

NOT NEVER is one for whom the season is ending too soon, only just starting in his case, straight in the groove, better than ever with consecutive seconds, not leading this time but better placed than most and sticking to the task well; to keep things moving as they are he may have no option but to turn to the AW, yet to try it.

ENDLESS ACRES (IRE) needed the headgear and the trip to show it, but a chunk of improvement was forthcoming on his handicap debut, after a break, and, rather than outright quirky, there's probably still an element of him learning the game, only 4 races in, doing well as this went to finish amongst more prominently-ridden rivals.

PLEASURE DOME got the absolute most out of her progressive spell and has probably maxed out by now, not enough that she reproduced all her improved form, and no excuses, having the run of the race, headed over 1f out.

ARGUS (IRE) hasn't been able to build any momentum this interrupted season, but there's been enough in his performances to think he could still up his game at one point, and he did second-best of those held up, different tactics over this longer trip; it's coming up to the anniversary of his Doncaster win, and he'll be on virtually the same mark this time around.

PARLIAMENTARIAN (IRE) shortest break he's had between races, and softer ground than he's done his improving on, one or both explanations for his lesser run, unable to get up a head of steam; he'll still be unexposed heading into 2017, completely so over 2m.

MARMAJUKE BAY never in it, but patient tactics weren't the order of the day, plus this was a better race than he had been contesting, but it doesn't diminish the good strides he'd made in the summer, plenty about him to think he can do better again as a 4-y-o.

THE OTMOOR POET had been crying out for this trip, likely to show why another day, just off his game here, struggling a long way out.

JACK BEAR had unseated on his hurdling debut last month, maybe leaving its mark, as he was never in this, lacking the spark that marked his summer performances.

RIDEONASTAR (IRE) fairly quick turnaround for his second start after a break, perhaps the reason he was so subdued, fading 2f out.

GREEN LIGHT never got out of last, lacking some motivation by the look of things, giving the odd flash of his tail.