CARLISLE 15:00

All 5 ran. Fences: 14.

Time: 6m 42.66s

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 99.2%

A smart minor event, though with the whole field making their reappearance and varying degrees of readiness on show, it may prove best not to go overboard about the bare form; that said, the winner was visually impressive, Shutthefrontdoor a most progressive young stayer who looks capable of adding another big prize to his CV this season; the pace was steady for the first circuit.

SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR (IRE) signed off his novice campaign by winning the Irish National and took a further step forward in running out a convincing winner here after 7 months off, the manner of victory suggesting it's worth rating him over and above the bare form; waited with, taken wide on the approach to back straight final circuit, crept closer 4 out, produced to lead between last 2, forged clear; has long since appealed as an ideal candidate for this season's Grand National but, on this evidence and in an open year, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could develop into a Gold Cup contender.

VINTAGE STAR (IRE) pulled up in the Grand National when last seen, ran creditably attempting to win this race for the second successive year; led, inclined to jump left, joined 4 out, headed between last 2, one paced; beaten by one on an upward curve, he should give a good account in some of the big staying handicaps in the months ahead.

MICKIE a useful hurdler, was pitched in at a smart level on chasing debut and, despite failing to take advantage of a sizeable weight concession (strong in the betting to do so), she shaped with plenty of promise until getting tired late on, this her first start since April; prominent, raced freely, jumped fine, challenged 4 out, every chance 2 out, faded run-in, not persevered with once held; open to improvement and should have little difficulty picking up a novice event.

ALPHA VICTOR (IRE) held some form claims on these terms but was unfancied in the betting and shaped as if better for the run after 7 months off; handy, weakened 4 out.

RIVAL D'ESTRUVAL (FR) lightly raced in recent years (restricted to just 1 outing last season), has reportedly been treated for a kissing spine and was entitled to need the run after 10 months off, though didn't show a great deal in truth, further evidence required to ascertain just how much ability he retains; in rear, jumped left (markedly so on occasions), lost touch 4 out.