LINGFIELD PARK 14:30

All 6 ran. Hurdles: 10.

Time: 5m 23.1s Closing Sectional: (5.8f): 95.1s (101.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 101.5%

Not a race to dwell on, the runner-up setting a sound gallop in the conditions, most unable to cope, the penalized Sirop de Menthe scoring as he pleased.

SIROP DE MENTHE (FR) after just 3 days off, made the most of what became a good opportunity to supplement his Huntingdon success under a penalty; mid-division, went with enthusiasm, went prominent fourth, led approaching 2 out, drew clear on bridle, easily; is obviously thriving at present, though was left with little to beat here and is surely going to be hit hard by the handicapper.

REBLIS (FR) essentially a staying chaser, was ridden to make use of his stamina on his first hurdles outing for 6 years and at least showed more life than on his comeback (blinkers refitted), though what kind of mood he is in next time is anyone's guess; led, pressed on approaching fifth, reduced advantage approaching 3 out, headed approaching next, plodded on.

BLUE BEAR (IRE) shaped better than the distance beaten suggests, this a taxing reintroduction after 7 months off and one it may take time to get over; kept wide, waited with, mistake fifth, headway next, weakened approaching 2 out, held when blundering in tired fashion last.

MINSTRELS GALLERY (IRE) failed to come on for his reappearance, never in the hunt on the softest ground he has encountered; held up, behind when not fluent 3 out.

LOVCEN (GER) a former Grade-1 winner, hadn't been seen since getting off the mark over fences (on debut for this yard) at Wetherby in May 2014, and could hardly have shown any less on this return to action; raced wide, chased leader early, lost further place fifth, tailed off when pulled up 2 out.

ROCK OF LEON won on heavy ground last season, but ran no sort of race this time as he attempted to follow up his recent C&D win; in touch, dived at fifth, weakened approaching 4 out, behind when making tired mistake next.