EXETER 14:05

All 5 ran. Fences: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: -101 yds

Time: 4m 4.4s Closing Sectional: (2.25f): 32.2s (100.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 100%

A thin field for Exeter's feature of the season, the prevailing firmish ground an obvious reason, the veteran winner taking advantage of the less competitive scenario to gain a rare victory, an injury to top-weight Diego du Charmil further reducing the strength of the form.

GOD'S OWN (IRE) rolled back the years, winning this for the second time, the previous success having come in 2014, his only victories in the interim coming at Grade 1 level in the spring of 2016, largely tried at the highest level since, this suggesting he remains a high-class chaser, though this was a significantly weaker race than most he contests; tracked pace, travelled well, mistake eighth, effort 3 out, led soon after last, edged left, asserted close home.

OZZIE THE OSCAR (IRE) back over fences, ran up to his best, though he'll surely never have as good a chance of a big prize again, a significant mistake and the winner's gutsiness denying him this one; led, clouted seventh, headed 4 out, led again next, headed soon after last, held close home.

SAN BENEDETO (FR) took a step back in right direction back over fences, though was still below his best, having been second off the same mark in a stronger renewal last season; tracked pace, pushed along eighth, every chance 2 out, not quicken approaching last.

THEO (IRE) was back over easy fences, but his jumping failed to pass muster, perhaps the quality of the opposition drawing the errors, his fencing remaining a problem; held up, made mistakes, effort 4 out, left behind next.

DIEGO DU CHARMIL (FR) successful in the Maghull at Aintree as a novice, was well held after 6 months off, his weak finish seemingly the result of having struck into himself; held up, pulled way into prominent position fourth, led briefly 4 out, mistake there, weakened quickly.