HUNTINGDON 16:05

All 6 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +76 yds

Time: 5m 20.4s Closing Sectional: (5.2f): 84s (98.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 100.9%

A change to the penalty structure/hefty prize money boost failed to lead to a huge improvement in the race's quality - no Irish raider for example - and several were off their game, that said, it took a borderline smart effort from the winner to see off the thriving Happy Diva; the pace was sound.

RENE'S GIRL (IRE) has taken her form up a couple of notches since sent chasing, a path plotted to this valuable contest, backing up the improvement shown last time despite being easy to back; led early, chased leader from third, typically travelled well, awkward eighth (jumped fine otherwise), went on approaching straight, edged right after last, kept on gamely; will continue to be hard to beat in similar events.

HAPPY DIVA (IRE) is thirving at present and improved again, doing well to push the winner so hard given her rider was unable to claim in this company; waited with, typically travelled well, went second entering straight, challenged after last, never quite getting to game winner but pulled clear of rest; will continue to give a good account of herself.

DESERT QUEEN shaped similarly to last time after 4 months off, despite the drop in trip; typically led-in, slowly into stride and set off in rear but was in front by the third, slow eighth, headed approaching straight, one paced; despite her talent she isn't one to back at very short odds.

MARIAH'S LEGEND was again in deep back chasing and acquitted herself creditably this time, giving the impression there are races to be won with her over fences at a realistic level; patiently ridden, creeping closer and yet to be asked for effort when not fluent 3 out, shaken up home turn, plugged on, no match for principals.

GOT AWAY (FR) whose last effort looks a flimsy bit of form, clearly didn't run her race, seeming amiss; in touch, chased leaders 3 out, ridden from there, struggling quickly, folded.

ANTARTICA DE THAIX (FR) not on a going day, the writing on the wall from an early stage, found to have bled; tracked pace, slow first, clouted fourth, pushed along tenth, dropped to rear next, mistake twelfth, first beaten.