ASCOT 15:55

All 8 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 46.6s Closing Sectional: (5.05f): 69.2s (105.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99%

Almost certainly weak bare form for the track, the market telling a tale with a few, notably reappearing Bertimont but also a well-backed winner who probably didn't need to do much more than run his race to see off an exposed mare; the runner-up set a brisk gallop, though it had steadied and allowed the pack to close soon after the fourth.

EDDIEMAURICE (IRE) justified support in a substandard race for the grade/track; dropped out, went with enthusiasm, good progress out wide entering straight, edged ahead soon after last, all out to hold on; will find life tougher from a higher mark for all he'll still be qualified for lower-class handicaps.

FAVORITE GIRL (GER) a winner on the Flat since last seen over jumps, confirmed that return to form with a typically gutsy effort, though she isn't so well treated as a narrow second in an Ascot handicap might suggest; forced pace, quickened approaching 2 out, headed run-in, kept on gamely.

DRAYTONIAN (IRE) shaped as if retaining all his ability after 8 months off; waited with, progress home turn, pushed along approaching 2 out, one paced; a lightly-raced 6-y-o, he should be sharper for the run.

LE ROCHER (FR) one of the leading juvenile hurdlers around way back in 2013/14, showed plenty of that ability remains after 34 months off, young enough to think he can recapture former glories provided he stands training; mid-division, effort 2 out, no extra last.

CYRNAME (FR) failed to meet expectations, much too free on his first outing since leaving Patrice Quinton after 10 months off, despite sporting a hood to go with a tongue tie, hardly a positive start to life in Britain; chased leader, shaken up entering straight, dropped away.

MINELLAFORLEISURE (IRE) looks too high in the weights, though he didn't run to form in any case, despite returning to shorter; mid-division, lost place before fifth, left behind straight.

SEA WALL (FR) probably needed the run after 8 months off; dropped out, some headway entering straight, effort flattened out.

BERTIMONT (FR) notably easy to back, shaped much better than the bare result after 19 months off but his finishing effort was alarmingly feeble, either badly in need of the outing or amiss; patiently ridden, smooth headway 4 out, shaken up after next, stopped quickly.