HAYDOCK PARK 13:55

Non Runners: FRANCIS OF ASSISI (IRE), MARRACUDJA (FR). Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 54.7s Closing Sectional: (3.35f): 50.4s (99.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99.7%

With neither Marracudja nor Francis of Assisi taking their chance on worsening ground, this listed novice had less depth than it looked like doing after the declarations were made, but it involved some useful sorts nonetheless and Welsh Shadow did it well; Viens Chercher ensured a fair gallop and conditions ensured it was a decent test, anyway.

WELSH SHADOW (IRE) bumped into exciting novice Yanworth on hurdling debut, that form already proving really strong (subsequent winner in third as well), and more than confirmed the promise of that effort, improving plenty to win up in grade, much too good for previous winners, value for more than the winning margin; held up, travelled strongly, headway after 4 out, loomed up 2 out, jumped on last, had bit in hand: will go on improving, including at further than 2m, bred to be suited by longer trips.

VIENS CHERCHER (IRE) was out again quickly, just 5 days after Cheltenham, but showed no ill-effects and ran well, time likely to tell it was a very stiff task trying to give Welsh Shadow 6 lb; made running, pressed on home turn, headed last, kept on but was no match for winner; this underlines that he's versatile with regards ground conditions.

MARDALE (IRE) wasn't quite up to this but ran creditably up in grade and has taken well to hurdling; in touch, chased leader 4 out, ridden after 3 out, one paced, just held on to third place; she's sure to win more races, with options back in ordinary mares' novices in the short term.

ALTRUISM (IRE) was on softer ground than previously, up in grade too, and failed to repeat the form of his second Cartmel win in the summer, looking a shade awkward; in rear, typically took strong hold, untidy 3 out, carried head awkwardly and hung left until kept on final 100 yds.

LADY YEATS wouldn't have been up to this company but it's hard to believe she was 100% on the day; chased leader, not fluent, lost place 4 out, beaten next, possibly amiss.