ASCOT 14:25

Non Runners: TOBEFAIR, PAISLEY PARK (IRE). Hurdles: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +32 yds

Time: 6m 22.1s Closing Sectional: (4.95f): 72.8s (105.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 98.2%

The withdrawal of Paisley Park after a lunchtime course inspection completely altered the shape of the race, what was a 5-runner affair with a short-priced favourite becoming an open 4-runner contest and a substandard Grade 1; it was as much a race that L'Ami Serge lost as The Worlds End won, the former folding after the last with the race at his mercy, adding another race to a lengthy list that he could/should have won.

THE WORLDS END (IRE) well backed, had been well held by Paisley Park at Newbury last time and took full advantage of that one's absence, making the most of his chance as the runner-up threw the race away; led, not fluent third, pushed along entering straight, headed 2 out, not quicken, rallied to lead again final 50 yds; he'll presumably be aimed at the Stayers' and ought to make more impact than he did in the race last season, though is still likely to come up a fair way short.

L'AMI SERGE (IRE) easy to back, shaped as if retaining all ability after 19 months off, though it's hard to escape the conclusion that he turned it in after having the race at his mercy, the suggestion that it was lack of an outing that beat him not really passing muster; held up, travelled well, good progress entering straight, led 2 out, looked in control last, ridden after, downed tools and headed final 50 yds; he showed in winning the 2018 Aintree Hurdle that he can apply himself when he wants to and his second to Sam Spinner in this race earlier that season showed stamina isn't an issue, so he seems more likely than the winner to make an impact in top staying hurdles later in the season.

PAPAGANA well backed, had something to find on form, even in a weak Grade 1m and she ran well upped in grade, probably aided by the testing conditions; tracked pace, ridden before 3 out, not fluent there, not quicken straight, not fluent again 2 out, kept on run-in.

AGRAPART (FR) easy to back, ran to a similar level to last time, just not fully firing at present, the way he travelled (under a change of rider) promising more than it delivered; waited with, travelled well, shaken up 2 out, made little impression.