AINTREE 15:15

Non Runners: PRINCE OF PIRATES (IRE), HOLLOW TREE, FLICKA WILLIAMS (IRE). Hurdles: 13.

Time: 6m 13.25s

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A bit of a messy feel to this handicap in the end, with plenty close to form despite not shaping all that well, though the smooth-travelling winner did it a deal more readily than the final margins might suggest; the pace picked up early on the final circuit.

PECKHAMECHO (IRE) confirmed promise of reappearance, having no problem with the longer trip and looking as good as ever, taking into account he was value extra; patiently ridden, headway on bridle before 3 out, led soon after next, in control when bad mistake last, quickly recovered and just kept up to work; sure to make another bold bid next time.

UNCLE JIMMY (IRE) ran well on form back under the claimer who rode him last season but was possibly flattered, arguably shaping worst of the lot before finding a late rattle; mid-division, outpaced in last soon after 4 out, rallied approaching last, finished well; remains if he can back this up, more needed from new mark even if he can.

DAWN COMMANDER (GER) had winning run ended after 5 months off but still ran well, his consistency hard to knock for all his new mark promises to make life tricky; mid-field, not fluent sixth, in touch when pushed along before 3 out, one paced.

SAFFRON WELLS (IRE) whose form last time is proving strong, might have needed the run after 8 months off, or else didn't relish the longer trip (less likely), either way shaping a fair bit better than fourth best; dropped out, took keen hold, good progress before 3 out, took second next, no extra run-in; it'll be no surprise to see him improve a bit more this season.

DREAMS OF MILAN (IRE) back over hurdles, wasn't disgraced in first-time blinkers, no more than averagely treated; in touch, ridden after 4 out, not quicken.

DEADLY STING (IRE) back up in trip, wasn't disgraced; made running, headed eighth, led again home turn, headed when blundered 2 out, not quicken.

ROLLING MAUL (IRE) upped in trip, ran to similar level to last time but found it a whole lot tougher back in a handicap; prominent, led eighth, ridden when headed home turn, beaten 2 out.

UPSWING (IRE) progressive last season, was well backed but shaped as if better for the run after 9 months off, not getting anything like the full McCoy treatment, qualified for the Final of this series now; waited with, not fluent second, eighth, shaken up before 3 out, made no impression; worth another chance.