AINTREE 15:50

All 7 ran. Fences: 16.

Time: 4m 51.5s Closing Sectional: (3.1f): 46.1s (98.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 101%

The success of an exposed sort such as Third Intention might cast doubt but, in truth, this was as good a renewal of the Old Roan as there's been in recent years, with a trio of top-class chasers at the head of the weights meeting among others a heavily-backed second-season chaser with few miles on the clock; the pace was true, yet every runner still held hope early in the straight.

THIRD INTENTION (IRE) took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper above all, dropped 7 lb since his placing in the Topham in the spring, as last year ready to go first time out and running to his best, no improvement required as he gained his first win since February 2015; waited with, blundered third, in contention 4 out, effort when ridden from 2 out, edged ahead approaching last, in command run-in, closed down late on (idled a shade); this was the perfect opening and, in truth, he'll likely revert to being opposable for the rest of the campaign.

GOD'S OWN (IRE) picked up where he left off in the spring after 6 months off, evidently coming to hand earlier this time around and even then not seen to best effect, the winner away by the time he got going; waited with, in touch approaching straight, not clear run soon after 3 out, not quicken next, third at last, finished well; he's top-class but still not in the same league as Douvan, nor for that matter an on-song Vautour, the hope for God's Own that the latter pursues a season at longer trips to open up a Ryanair Chase chance.

VIBRATO VALTAT (FR) shaped as if as good as ever after 7 months off but the way he went about it wasn't much different, briefly looking to have matters at his mercy (touched 1.44 in-running on Betfair) as he cruised into the lead after 2 out only to lose his advantage approaching the last, one paced on the run-in and passed for second; placing him to advantage won't get any easier.

SMAD PLACE (FR) ran a perfect seasonal tee-up faced with an inadequate trip after 7 months off, a fine effort under the circumstances; pressed leader, led briefly circuit out, outpaced 3 out, rallied well late on; like others, however, he'll need some careful placement to see him win good races this season.

ROYAL REGATTA (IRE) further highlighted he's a reformed character with this enthusiastic return from 8 months off, and he should have finished closer still, a rattling late mistake taking its toll; soon led, joined when ran wide circuit out, pressed on again back straight, headed when bad mistake 3 out, rallied until last.

THREE MUSKETEERS (IRE) was strong in the betting yet, as when reappearing as a novice, promised more than he delivered, best to assume he needed the run again for all he also finished weakly in last season's Dipper; chased leaders, jumped boldly, pushed along entering straight, every chance 3 out, faltered before last; likely to be much closer to form next time, and he remains with the potential to prove a very smart chaser.

SIRE DE GRUGY (FR) isn't what he was but he retains more ability than this bare form might imply, very much shaping as if needing it after 6 months off; patiently ridden, went with zest, good progress before home turn, in contention 3 out, weakened, beaten when slow 2 out.