CARLISLE 15:25

All 7 ran. Hurdles: 9.

Time: 4m 10.7s Closing Sectional: (3.2f): 47.6s (98.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 101.1%

An interesting event for second-season hurdlers and novices, the unexposed Hadfield getting the better of Shear Rock - who was seeking a 4-timer - to make it 2 from 3 in this sphere.

HADFIELD (IRE) making his handicap debut on just his third start over hurdles, had plenty in his favour, not least a valuable 3-y-o allowance, and ultimately got the job done, but did make somewhat hard work of things; mid-division, reminders after fourth, good progress from 3 out, challenged next, led approaching last, kept going well; more stoutly bred than many from his yard, he should stay 2½m and could be worth a try in headgear with tougher assignments ahead, more improvement in him if he continues to go the right way.

SHEAR ROCK (IRE) couldn't continue his winning sequence having been raised a further 6 lb, but clearly remains in good heart; led, tackled 3 out, headed between last 2, still every chance when hit last, kept on.

BORUMA (IRE) had slipped in the weights and took a marked step back in the right direction after 4 months off over a trip short of his best, the pair that beat him an unexposed sort and one bang in form; patiently ridden, steady headway from 4 out, kept on, edged right, no match for principals; will prove suited by a return to 2½m+ and one to bear in mind, especially given he's eligible for lesser races than this.

BIGINDIE (IRE) is proving consistent, though as mentioned after his run at Towcester appears to be in the grip of the handicapper; chased leader, pushed along approaching 3 out, one paced.

QUICK BREW had been harshly dealt with by the handicapper for his Hexham maiden success and ran respectably all things considered; close up, upsides 3 out, driven approaching next, weakened before last.

COOKING FAT attracted support but produced a laboured effort; mid-field, pushed along 3 out, labouring badly before next.

LOCHALSH (IRE) was well below form on his last 2 starts for Dan Skelton over the summer, and went with little encouragement for new connections; raced off the pace, pushed along before 4 out, tailed off after next.