WINCANTON 16:15

Non Runners: MIDNIGHT MIDGE. Hurdles: 8. Race Distance Adjustment: +97 yds

Time: 3m 41.7s Closing Sectional: (6.6f): 93.9s (99%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.1%

The 2 least exposed runners disappointed so it was left for a fellow handicap debutant to wear down the strong-travelling runner-up, Commanche Red's stamina coming to the fore at the end of a well-run contest.

COMMANCHE RED (IRE) didn't look an obvious candidate to be suited by a drop back to a sharp 2m switched to a handicap but showed improved form to get off the mark after 11 weeks off; chased leader, mistake fifth, second when not fluent 2 out, challenged soon after, led flat, edged left, kept on well; will be suited by stiffer tests, and can continue to give a good account after a small rise in the weights.

RAVENOUS confirmed promise of his last run, this sharper test much more to his liking, just worn down late on by much more of a staying type; chased leader, went with zest, led 3 out, tackled after 2 out, headed flat; he's fairly handicapped, and could be dangerous if allowed an easy lead over a sharp 2m.

KIMBERLEY POINT ran creditably after 3 months off, her finishing effort most likely lacking due to her early exuberance; held up, raced freely, headway after 3 out, not fluent next, one paced.

GREEN OR BLACK (IRE) ran creditably after 6 months off, probably just feeling the effects of the absence towards the end (very easy to back); held up, not fluent fifth, headway after 3 out, ridden between last 2, one paced.

NOT SO SLEEPY failed to meet expectations switched to a handicap, his overracing compounded by multiple scruffy leaps; led, raced freely, not fluent first, mistake fourth, headed 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out.

THE TWISLER was below form with no obvious excuse; mid-division, ridden after 3 out, made no impression.

COLD SHOULDER is yet to show much for this yard; in rear, struggling 3 out, behind when fell last.

MIRANDA (IRE) seemingly wasn't 100% on the day as she lost her unbeaten record over timber, though a post-race examination failed to reveal any abnormalities; in touch, labouring from fourth, lost touch after 3 out, pulled up before next; she won her previous 2 starts in good style, and is well worth another chance.