STRATFORD-ON-AVON 15:15

Non Runners: THOR DE CERISY (FR), ZAMBEZI FIX (FR). Hurdles: 9. Race Distance Adjustment: +1 f 83 yds

Time: 4m 17.7s Closing Sectional: (5.1f): 81.7s (90.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 99.9%

An unrelenting pace over a heavily-extended distance stretched most further than they could handle, leaving a patiently-ridden pair to draw right away from the exhausted bunch in their wake, though that isn't to suggest the winner isn't a good prospect now on the right path.

BUBBLE DUBI (FR) belatedly put it all together as he justified strong support this time, having more end product to go with his striking strong-travelling style, a briskly-run race helping see him shine; patiently ridden, headway 3 out, switched soon after next, led on bridle before straight, untidy last and needed to come under pressure but did enough; he's open to further improvement in this sphere before his attentions are turned to chasing, in which sphere he'll surely flourish.

WORD HAS IT (IRE) showed no ill-effects from his unsuccessful return to chasing, running a personal best back over hurdles in a race run to suit his style; dropped out, still plenty to do 3 out, smooth headway from next, effort early in straight, pressed leader approaching last, no extra only late on.

IN THIS WORLD (FR) probably wasn't sufficiently streetwise - or fit enough - to cope with a demanding race fully 16 months on from a most promising winning start over hurdles; held up, took closer order 3 out, pushed along from next, no extra entering straight; he's clearly had issues but this ought not totally dim his potential.

AMELIA'S DANCE (IRE) again ran below form, as last time tackling a higher class of handicap than necessary; in touch, lost place when ridden end of back straight, no response.

GALICE MACALO (FR) is best excused this run, an aggressive ride compounding a potential lack of peak fitness stepping out of mares company after 7 weeks off; chased leader, edged ahead soon after 3 out, headed before straight, weakened, did too much too soon.

GUMBALL (FR) fit from the Flat, went off too hard under his amateur rider in adding to a patchy record; led until soon after 3 out, beaten quickly.

BOMBYX is best not judged on this belated return (missed almost 2 years), a bad mistake surely a factor in a race that tested fitness to the full as well; raced off the pace, clouted fourth, untidy again next, no chance from 2 out.

RESTITUTION (FR) back on softer ground, was possibly undone by conditions as well as a blunder (also lost shoe); waited with, bad mistake fourth, struggling soon after.