CHELTENHAM 15:20

Non Runners: MAWAQEET (USA). Hurdles: 12.

Time: 5m 50.4s Closing Sectional: (4.05f): 59.4s (99.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 101.5%

The season's first qualifier for the Final of the long-running Pertemps series back here in March, recent alterations to the requirements demanding a horse finish in the first 6 - rather than first 8 - in one of these in order to ensure qualification; the feeling was of a weak enough race, with few appealing as much ahead of their mark, and there was a muddling shape to it as well after a couple had gone much too hard in opening up clear daylight back to the rest, one of the pacesetters coming down 3 out in an incident that also ended King Boru's race and affected Mr Shantu's, the latter shaping best in ending up second behind another horse who came from rear.

DARK SPIRIT (IRE) a winner first time out last season, had the benefit of a 10-lb claimer and produced a career-best effort after 8 months off, in a strongly-run race that saw her to good effect; dropped out, slow first, smooth headway 3 out, not clear run from early in straight, switched after last, quickened to lead inside final 1f, responded well.

MR SHANTU (IRE) continues to thrive, unable to complete a hat-trick but producing a remarkable effort in defeat, leaving the firm impression he was the best horse at the weights, clearly still ahead of his mark despite having gone up 10 lb for Warwick; dropped out, badly hampered 4 out (almost brought to a stop) and dropped around 13 lengths off leader in detached last place, rapid headway out wide after 2 out and managed to quicken to lead soon after last only to be headed well inside the final 1f, understandably no extra then; a different proposition nowadays, including in terms of jumping, he'll remain of interest in handicaps.

MIJHAAR shaped as if as good as ever, off since the spring but probably failing for lack of stamina rather than lack of fitness tackling 3m for the first time; held up, headway on bridle from eighth, upsides when shaken up entering straight, no extra last.

POLAMCO (IRE) shaped as if retaining all his ability, likely to be better for his first run in 6 months, a keen-going type who's yet to conclusively prove he stays beyond 2¾m as well; held up, went with enthusiasm, mistakes fourth, seventh, good progress 2 out, edged ahead entering straight, headed soon after last, faded.

KILFINICHEN BAY (IRE) finally had his winning run ended, probably just found out up another 8 lb, though he shaped as if likely to be involved in the finish for a long way, his response to pressure uncharacteristically tame for some reason; prominent main group, travelled well but shuffled back before sixth, headway when mistake 3 out, ridden home turn, weakened.

FIGHTER JET ran one of his less-enthusiastic races in a first-time tongue strap after 3 months off; went in snatches at front of main group, driven after 4 out, left behind gradually straight, all the while looking far from keen.

ON THE BRIDGE (IRE) turned in a rare poor effort with more positive tactics persevered with, no surprise if he reverts to playing his hand later next time; disputed lead early, chased leaders from second, mistake fifth, soon done with from 2 out.

MY LAD PERCY back over hurdles, had plenty on from 4 lb out of the handicap and, in addition, ended up having a very hard race under an excessively-aggressive ride; helped force pace, went on seventh, headed entering straight, weakened approaching last, finished tired; certainly wouldn't want turning out quickly.

WILLEM (FR) patently failed to stay upped to 3m, shaping much better than the distance beaten suggests, still looking in good form; patiently ridden, travelled as well as any, good progress out wide before 3 out, upsides briefly there, weakened before home turn.

SAINT JOHN HENRY (FR) couldn't have endured a much more unpleasant return from 7 months off, soon disputing the strong pace, looking ill at ease from the seventh (began to hang left) and dropping through the field when falling heavily 4 out; best watched next time.

KING BORU (IRE) is well worth another chance for this yard, yet to be asked for his effort under a patient ride when brought down 4 out.