EXETER 14:10

All 6 ran. Fences: 12.

Time: 4m 19.7s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 35s (93.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 100.2%

In theory a good renewal of this early clash of the better 2-mile chasers, all 6 runners with a BHA mark of 151 or higher, though with only 3 of the 6 running a race it clearly wasn't quite so strong as it might have been.

JANIKA (FR) went up 17 lb in the handicap without winning last season, but had some really strong form to his name and progressed again after 7 months off, this admittedly a less competitive race than those he'd tackled in 2018/19, the slightly shorter trip not a problem at all under these conditions; waited with, effort approaching 4 out, jumped on next, clear 2 out, kept on, ridden out; top handicaps are likely to be tough to win once his mark is revised, but on this showing he wouldn't be out of place in the Tingle Creek, though the Peterborough Chase the following day may be a better option, the potential perhaps for still more to come.

DOLOS (FR) after 6 months off, proved at least as good as ever, though his mark makes it hard for him in competitive races and he won't be getting any respite after this; in touch, typically travelled well, chased leader eighth, ridden next, kept on run-in.

DESTRIER (FR) less exposed than the rest, shaped encouragingly after 7 months off, his cause hindered by jumping left on his first start right handed over fences; close up, travelled well, led sixth, blundered 4 out, headed next, one paced 2 out; remains with potential.

LALOR (GER) was again largely disappointing after 7 months off, his performance a frustrating one, seeming to lose confidence completely, causing his rider to give up, before he closed up well once there were no more fences to jump; jumped none too fluently, disputed lead first, off pace fourth, tailed off eighth, eased early in straight, kept on run-in; he was so good first time over fences last season, but a return to hurdles would surely be a better option for the time being.

GOD'S OWN (IRE) successful in this race in 2014 and 2018, was well held this time, easy to back, despite a stable in good form, the ground likely to have been softer than ideal; held up, mistake eighth, ridden after, left behind straight.

CHARBEL (IRE) ran even worse than at Chepstow, once again suggesting his heart isn't really in it at the moment; led until sixth, clouted eighth, lost place after, well held straight.