AINTREE 15:00

Non Runners: RAMSES DE TEILLEE (FR). Fences: 16.

Time: 4m 50.7s Closing Sectional: (3.15f): 44.4s (103.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.2%

The days of modern greats like Kauto Star and the popular multiple-winner listed in the title are a thing of the past for the Old Roan, with a feel nowadays that focuses more on the 'limited handicap' element of the conditions rather than the 'Grade 2' part, the front pair both graduates from the handicap ranks.

FRODON (FR) returned as good as ever after 6 months off (breathing operation during lay-off), an eighth success over fences but only his second outside novice company, both of those handicaps, testament to his position as a high-end chaser but one a fair way removed from the very best around; chased leader, went with zest, jumped on briefly tenth, led again twelfth, pressed on from 2 out, driven out.

JAVERT (IRE) ran at least as well in defeat as when winning on his belated return, encouraging in itself - given the size of his lay-off - he was able to stand up to the rigours of a second run back; settled in touch, chased leader from 2 out, ran on.

CLOUDY DREAM (IRE) extended his long losing run on his first outing since leaving Ruth Jefferson after 7 months off, no faulting his consistency but easy to pick holes in his resolution; waited with, early mistakes, in contention home turn, ridden when hung right from 3 out, threatened briefly last, carried head awkwardly, not quicken.

TEMPLEHILLS (IRE) faced a stiffer task in this grade but probably remains in form; soon led, headed briefly tenth, headed again twelfth, lost place when clouted 4 out, rallied gradually straight.

THEO (IRE) didn't look out of place stepped up in grade from another 6 lb higher, though he threw in a couple of jumping blemishes on the way around and shaped as though his stamina had given out by the end, at his very best around 2m; patiently ridden, typically made mistakes, good progress out wide 4 out, close up when pushed along after 3 out, faltered approaching last.

FLYING ANGEL (IRE) failed to justify support after 7 months off (not the first fancied returner from his yard to underperform of late), adding to his all-or-nothing record; ridden more patiently, off pace, mistake eleventh, ridden after, labouring from 4 out, merely plugged on.

VOIX D'EAU (FR) had risen back up to his highest mark in some time and, sent off at long odds after 10 weeks off, was duly well held on his first outing since leaving Harry Fry for a steep-looking £40,000; settled in touch, lost ground eleventh, behind back straight, no threat after.

VALUE AT RISK ran one of his lesser races after 6 months off, capitulating as he's so prone; tracked pace, slow tenth, disputed second 3 out, faltered next.