HAYDOCK PARK 15:15

Non Runners: VALTOR (FR). Fences: 19. Race Distance Adjustment: +76 yds

Time: 6m 49s Closing Sectional: (2.9f): 43.6s (105%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 100.9%

The first time since 2003 that this has been run on anything other than soft or heavy ground, that partly the reason why under 10 lengths separated the first 6 home, though the result is also reflective of the handicapper having accurately summed up most of these, Wakanda hardly likely to be improving at his age, tough and genuine as he is.

WAKANDA (IRE) has been a smashing servant to connections over the years and, having run himself back into top form this season, added a Peter Marsh to wins in the Rehearsal, Silver Cup and Sky Bet Chase, those 4 successes gained by an aggregate margin of little more than 3 lengths, testament to his toughness; in touch, chased leaders after 5 out, stayed on to lead run-in, driven out; he disappointed in the Grand National Trial here a few seasons back but has long since given the impression he should be effective over marathon distances, well worth another crack at the race next month.

ROBINSFIRTH (IRE) ran a cracker after 13 months off, the only concern being how he'll react to having such a tough race on his first start back after a long absence; patiently ridden, not fluent tenth, headway under pressure after 3 out, chased leaders approaching last, stayed on.

BALLYDINE (IRE) 5 lb out of the handicap and in first-time cheekpieces and tongue strap, ran his best race, again looking a stout stayer and just the type to relish the demands on the Grand National Trial back here next month; never far away, every chance from 4 out, clouted next, rallied well run-in.

BALLYARTHUR (IRE) was just out of the handicap and ran as well as he has, churlish to suggest he didn't stay in the circumstances but others just seeing it out that bit better after he'd looked as likely as any to win at one point; patiently ridden, crept closer from halfway, produced to lead approaching 2 out, untidy last, one paced run-in.

RED INFANTRY (IRE) had gone up another 5 lb for Sandown and, sensibly given a rest since, ran up to his best in this deeper handicap, not needing any excuses; made running, jumped right sixth, joined 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, faded run-in.

CAPTAIN REDBEARD (IRE) wasted no time getting back on track returned to a course where he has such a good record, this the first time he's finished out of the first 3 here; prominent, slow thirteenth, ridden after 5 out, every chance next, weakened run-in.

OTAGO TRAIL (IRE) had been given slightly longer between races this time but was notably easy to back near the off and again finished well held; prominent, not fluent eighth, struggling when not fluent again 5 out, dropped away from next.

THREE MUSKETEERS (IRE) was upped in distance, probably more in hope than expectation, and it failed to result in an upturn in his fortunes; mid-field, ridden before fourteenth, beaten after 5 out.

DAKLONDIKE (IRE) failed to complete through no fault of his own; mid-field, bumped by Robinsfirth jumping into him and unseated fifth.

ONE FOR ARTHUR (IRE) failed to complete for the second time in as many starts this season, odd given that he was such a notably sound jumper prior to his lay-off; dropped out, still plenty to do entering straight, last of those still going but just starting to make an effort when unseated rider 4 out, very hard to know how he'd have fared but only around 8 lengths behind the leader at the time of his departure.

CHASE THE SPUD has completely lost his way and mightn't be long off retirement; raced off the pace, jumped ponderously, went with little fluency as a result, lost touch from twelfth.