STRATFORD-ON-AVON 13:10

Non Runners: QUOI DE NEUF (FR). Fences: 12.

Time: 5m 6.9s Closing Sectional: (4.5f): 77.8s (91.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100.7%

The first fence in the back straight was omitted due to the state of the ground

Slow-motion stuff in the latter stages but that owed more to the extreme conditions than anything else and the form is still worth viewing positively, the all-the-way winner pulling clear of another unexposed sort.

NICKLE BACK (IRE) is already a much better chaser than hurdler and looks worth trying in better company on the back of this impressive follow-up success, his fast jumping technique leaving little margin for error but certainly proving an asset so far; soon well clear travelling strongly, reduced advantage briefly 2 out, quickened clear again home turn.

HYSTERY BERE (FR) had had a recent spin on the Flat but is still likely to be sharper for this; in touch, went second back straight, challenged briefly 2 out, blundered there (largely fluent otherwise) and left behind by winner soon after.

GRAND ROI (FR) is yet to offer much for current connections, quickly reverted to fences here; mid-division, blundered seventh, lost touch back straight, merely closed up late.

EL MUCHACHO (IRE) shaped as if amiss sent chasing; waited with, folded tamely entering back straight, pulled up quickly before 3 out.

MAGIC DANCER ran no sort of race after 5 months off; dropped out, not going well from early final circuit, first beaten.

SHAKEM UP'ARRY (IRE) might have needed the run after 7 months off/a breathing operation (was easy to back) but it was still disconcerting to see him tire so quickly in latter stages; chased leader, awkward first, shaken up between 4 out and 3 out, third when folded home turn, pulled up early in straight.