EXETER 14:20

All 8 ran. Fences: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: -68 yds

Time: 3m 58.1s Closing Sectional: (2.15f): 31.9s (93.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 102.4%

Exeter's feature race of the whole season, graced by a former Champion Chase winner, though this wasn't that strong a renewal, most not at their best, the front 2 providing an exciting finish as they drew clear in a strongly-run race; incidentally, the bottom weight was 10-0 rather than the usual 10-4 due to an error in the race conditions.

SIR VALENTINO (FR) after 4 months off, proved better than ever, though this wasn't a strong race and he had optimum conditions, while most of his rivals weren't at their best; waited with, travelled well, headway before 4 out, every chance from 3 out, edged ahead final 50 yds; he is likely to get a Tingle Creek entry, but that is surely aiming too high.

GARDE LA VICTOIRE (FR) ran well back over fences, just losing out in a tight finish, though a more polished round of jumping (tended to go left) might well have seen him prevail, the easy fences here about as stiff as he'd want on this showing, which probably limits how far he can go as a chaser this season; close up, not always fluent, led 4 out, kept on well, edged out final 50 yds.

DODGING BULLETS shaped as if retaining plenty of ability after 6 months off, this a more encouraging effort than any of his 3 appearances in a troubled 2015/16 campaign, that started late and was clearly not ideal; prominent, took keen hold, shaken up straight, no extra 2 out; he wasn't a vintage winner of the Champion Chase by any means, but will presumably head next for the Tingle Creek, which will give a better idea of just how competitive he'll be at the top level this winter.

PRESENTING ARMS (IRE) was a bit below his best, this race not really playing to his strengths so well as last time; in touch, not quicken approaching 4 out, reportedly lame.

ULTRAGOLD (FR) 3 lb out of the handicap, wasn't disgraced in a race that suited him better than the one at Cheltenham last time; led until 4 out, faded next.

PAIN AU CHOCOLAT (FR) ran poorly in first-time hood after 6 months off, the ground surely firmer than ideal; tracked pace, labouring after eighth.

DRESDEN (IRE) fared no better than he had at Chepstow, this another really lacklustre display, questions to answer at present; held up, off the bridle long way out, weakening when mistake eighth.

PURPLE 'N GOLD (IRE) found this level beyond him, from 4 lb out of the handicap, probably in need of a break anyway; always behind.