LEICESTER 14:20

Non Runners: QUEEN OLIVIA. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 59.1s

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 95.3%

A muddling, steadily-run affair that's not to be trusted completely as a form guide, the winner benefiting from a very easy lead as most of the opposition didn't even start to make a move until after 3 out, which was too late.

MALANOS (IRE) had become well handicapped on old form and, fit from a spin on the Flat, justified some market support without needing to be back to his very best; dictated, went with zest, quickened 3 out, driven out as second closed late on, very much having had the run of the race; circumstances are unlikely to be so favourable next time but given that he's only 6 and has rated higher in the past he's not one to be overly negative about.

MYSTERY DRAMA looked ahead of her mark, doing well under the circumstances and leaving the impression that she should have won; waited with, travelled strongly, good progress between 3 out and 2 out, closed all the way to the line but was left with too much to do and just couldn't peg back one that had an easy lead; remains lightly raced and is one to bear in mind.

DORMOUSE ran creditably after 4 months off and left the impression he should have finished a bit closer; held up, effort between 3 out and 2 out, ran on from further back than ideal without being knocked about; has never won from this high in the weights but is a consistent sort who'll continue in form.

SEVEN SUMMITS (IRE) took step back in right direction having shown nothing on recent starts, though was well positioned; prominent, pushed along after 3 out, one paced.

ZAFRANAGAR (IRE) who won this race last year, ran respectably without being seen to best effect; dropped out, ridden after 3 out, merely closed up late, disadvantaged by the run of the race.

MIRACLE CURE (IRE) making handicap debut, produced best effort to date over hurdles without improving to the extent that was perhaps expected, though testing conditions like this probably weren't ideal and he's well worth another chance; tracked pace, typically took strong hold, pushed along before 2 out, held last, weakened, needs emphasis more on speed; likely to prove best at easy 2m and remains with potential, useful on the Flat after all and in excellent hands.

TODD might have needed run on first outing since leaving John Joseph Murphy after 5 months off; held up, pushed along 3 out, never on terms.

KANDARI (FR) might have needed run on first outing since leaving Jonjo O'Neill after 18 months off but as a 10-y-o who has clearly had problems it's unlikely that he retains all of his ability; mid-field, raced freely, weakened from 2 out.

VIVACISSIMO (IRE) is on a fair mark on pick of French form but was well held on first outing since leaving C. Aubert after 7 months off; chased leaders, lost place approaching 3 out, folded.

CANADIAN DIAMOND (IRE) ran poorly after 5 months off; in rear, raced lazily, always behind; signs of temperament but can be competitive from this sort of mark on his day.