LUDLOW 15:30

All 8 ran. Fences: 13.

Time: 4m 0.1s

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 99.5%

The field was still closely grouped on the home turn after the pace had been modest, though the winner quickly put the race to bed once making his challenge 3 out and the form has some strength about it

NOCHE DE REYES (FR) is already a much better chaser than hurdler and, well backed after just 5 days off, improved again to break his duck over fences at the fourth time of asking; prominent, challenged travelling well 3 out, asserted from next, won easily; will continue to give a good account.

BULLET STREET (IRE) produced just about a career-best effort behind a well-treated improver, these his optimum conditions; held up, headway back straight, travelling well when not fluent 4 out, went second after 2 out, no further impression.

BLACKWATER KING (IRE) after 7 weeks off, fared better than previously in this sphere, though still remains some way from matching the best of his hurdles form; prominent, jumped none too fluently, second when untidy 4 out, ridden from next, plugged on.

LORD NAVITS (IRE) failed in his bid for a 4-timer in a more competitive event/on less testing ground than he's encountered recently, though fair to say he barely ever looked at ease, tending to hang left; dictated, jumped none too fluently/left at times, joined 3 out, ridden when pecked next, no extra; may benefit from a break now.

TED DOLLY (IRE) claimer ridden after 6 weeks off, continues below form; waited with, raced freely, never involved.

EDLOMOND (IRE) back over fences after 6 weeks off, again ran below form; mid-division, ridden from 4 out, weakened soon after.

STRONGLY SUGGESTED made an inauspicious start over fences last time but, without a tongue strap after 4 months off, shaped better than the bare result; mid-division, fourth travelling well 4 out, pushed along briefly after next, not unduly punished once held; won 3 times over hurdles last summer and is one to keep a close eye on as the ground continues to dry out.

COME ON ANNIE back down in trip after 6 weeks off and under a fully-fledged rider, was well held on her chasing debut but that isn't to suggest she won't cut it in this sphere, perhaps just no longer in tip-top form after a productive winter and/or possibly unsuited by less testing ground; held up, outpaced approaching 4 out, made no impression.