BANGOR-ON-DEE 15:15

Non Runners: EMMA SODA. Fences: 20.

Time: 8m 15.1s Closing Sectional: (4.47f): 75s (98.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 100.5%

A competitive handicap for all that it lacked in unexposed sorts, the gallop a sound one with the pace lifting early on the final circuit, soon getting them stretched with only 4 in contention from quite a long way out, Barton Gift demonstrating his staying prowess to get the better of Incentivise, who had travelled the better into the race.

BARTON GIFT equalled his career best as he resumed winning ways, underlining the fact that he's well suited by extreme tests of stamina in the process; disputed lead, mistake fifteenth, ridden before 5 out, went on end of back straight, headed home turn, led again approaching last, kept going very well; will remain of interest under similar conditions.

INCENTIVISE (IRE) wasted no time getting back to form, this his best effort of the season in fact, deserving of credit for the manner in which he's held his form this term; chased leaders, travelled best, smooth headway from 3 out, led before 2 out, mistake there, headed approaching last, kept on; should remain competitive.

QULINTON (FR) back up in trip, built on the promise of his last run, not one to rely on as a rule but now handicapped to win a similar event; held up, not fluent twelfth, steady headway back straight, driven before 2 out, kept on; one to bear in mind.

PRESENTED (IRE) who attracted support, ran creditably back in headgear, travelling much better than for his win here in November, but will need more if he's to defy this mark; close up, disputed lead early final circuit, went on 5 out, headed before 2 out, not fluent there, no extra after last.

BASFORD BEN in change of headgear back over fences, ran below form upped in trip but looks no more than averagely handicapped in any case; in touch, ridden when mistake fifteenth, struggling soon after.

ROCKY BENDER (IRE) upped in trip, fared no better than last time; mid-division, slow first, brief headway early final circuit, struggling entering back straight, no further impression and looked none too keen; he'll be worth another try in headgear before long.

FLYING AWARD (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, failed to complete; mid-field, mistake ninth, ridden when fell next.

GIBBSTOWN (IRE) upped in trip, found run of good form coming to a halt; mid-field, headway when bad mistake thirteenth, pulled up soon after.

ACRAI RUA (IRE) in change of headgear, failed to come on for recent run; disputed lead, mistake twelfth, struggling after next, dropped away.

THE FRIARY (IRE) ran no sort of race, his record this season uninspiring; in rear, made mistakes, went with little fluency, always behind; temperament remains under suspicion.