HUNTINGDON 14:50

Non Runners: ANATOL (FR). Fences: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +29 yds

Time: 3m 56.9s Closing Sectional: (4.95f): 74.1s (95.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 107%, Betfair SP 98.9%

Difficult form to assess, particularly as the only runner with previous chasing experience was clearly well below par, but it was still hard not to be impressed by the easy winner; despite the lack of numbers, the pace was quite a strong one, possibly overly so.

MAX WARD (IRE) useful over hurdles when with Charlie Brooks, has joined a yard in rude health at present and looked a good prospect in making this winning start over fences on his return from 28 months off; dropped out, jumped fine, headway on bridle back straight, produced to lead home turn, asserted easily run-in, had plenty in hand; sure to go on to better things provided he continues to stand racing/training.

QUERRY HORSE (FR) fairly useful over hurdles, probably ran to a similar level sent chasing after 7 months off; chased leader, not fluent early (notably bad mistake second) though jumped better as race wore on, headway back straight, led briefly before home turn, mistake 2 out, stuck to task, albeit no match at all for the winner; entitled to do better with this experience under his belt.

DEFINITE FUTURE (IRE) turned in a rare poor effort, this possibly one race too many after a busy summer/autumn campaign for all his amateur might also have been guilty of overdoing the front-running tactics; soon well clear, reduced advantage 4 out, headed approaching home turn, stopped quickly.