HUNTINGDON 14:10

Non Runners: MOUJIK BORGET (FR). Hurdles: 10.

Time: 4m 53.5s

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100%

It would be fair to say that this wasn't the deepest of 0-150 handicap hurdles, especially as only the first 3 gave their running, but it does look solid as far as those principals are concerned and the unexposed Volnay de Thaix was seriously impressive; they went a fair pace and it wasn't muddling.

VOLNAY DE THAIX (FR) progressed well in novice season, winning 3 from 5 after joining current yard from France, and looked a different proposition again after 7 months off, making a mockery of a BHA mark of 144 with a very smart performance, value for at least double the winning margin over a well-handicapped rival in Conquisto; waited with, tanked along, headway 4 out, led 2 out, soon in full command and won impressively; set for a hike in the weights but looks open to further improvement and has to be kept in mind for some of the valuable handicap hurdles over the coming weeks/months.

CONQUISTO was back over hurdles for the first time in almost 2 years, from a lower mark in this sphere and with a 10-lb claimer on board, and he returned to form after a couple of below-par chase runs; raced wide, handy, went with enthusiasm, challenged approaching 2 out, kept on but was no match for easy winner; it'll be worth persevering with him over hurdles for the time being.

BEYEH (IRE) was fitter for a recent spin on the Flat and ran well, right up to her best, but is basically handicapped to the hilt; held up, headway 4 out, ridden after next, kept on.

SOFTSONG (FR) has gone well fresh before, hence the money for him on first outing since leaving James Evans after 5 months off, but conditions weren't ideal, soft ground over this trip too much of a test for him; tracked pace, close up 3 out, weakened after next; he's best up to easy 2½m (needs less testing ground over this far).

SONGSMITH failed to build on promise of last run and, although ideally he needs the emphasis more on speed, he didn't go through this so smoothly as he does most races; mid-division, ridden 3 out, held when mistake last.

LONG LUNCH has been put up a harsh-looking 6 lb for his third at Stratford, a 7-lb claimer on to try and offset that, but was below form anyway, failing to see things out having not settled; prominent, raced freely, went on seventh, headed before 2 out, found nothing once headed.

TOUCH BACK (IRE) looked rusty after 6 months off; raced off the pace, off the bridle before most, beaten soon after 3 out.

CADOUDOFF (FR) shaped as if needing run after 8 months off, fitness the issue rather than stamina (should be suited by further than 2m); tracked pace, hit 3 out, weakened after next.

PRINCE OF PIRATES (IRE) back over hurdles, was well held on first outing since leaving Nicky Henderson after 11 months off; in rear, jumped sketchily, never travelling well, beaten long way out.

MY OH MOUNT BROWN (IRE) ran poorly on first outing since leaving Alan McCabe after 6 months off, though he looks too high in the weights in any case; held up, struggling badly after 4 out, blundered next, eased off.

KAYF MOSS produced a laboured effort but almost certainly needed the run to blow the cobwebs away after 7 months off, plus he's at his best on very testing ground; led, off the bridle before most, headed seventh, soon done with.