LUDLOW 13:30

All 7 ran. Fences: 13.

Time: 4m 8.3s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 35.9s (95.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 101.7%

A handicap in which few gave their running, nevertheless the pair that fought out the finish both produced useful efforts, Sir Valentino proving better than ever in landing his hat-trick at the expense of the in-form runner-up, the pair well clear.

SIR VALENTINO (FR) is in the form of his life at present and produced a career-best effort to land his hat-trick in ready fashion over a C&D he clearly relishes; chased leader, avoided mistakes, travelled well, upsides sixth, went on ninth, ridden approaching 3 out, kept going well; handicapper sure to have his say now, while previous comments regarding his jumping concerns at some of the 'bigger' tracks remain valid.

JAYO TIME (IRE) continues in good heart, giving best only to one thriving at present and well on top of the rest; mid-field, travelled well, crept closer before ninth, chased leader leaving back straight, ridden 3 out, stuck to task, pulled clear of remainder.

VIVACCIO (FR) continues below form; chased leaders briefly early, behind from third, ridden after 5 out, merely passed beaten horses.

LIGHTENING ROD shaped a bit better than distance beaten suggests on this occasion, though it still remains to be seen just how much of his old ability he retains; waited with, not fluent fifth, headway before end of back straight, chased leaders 4 out, held when bad mistake 2 out.

MY BROTHER SYLVEST is struggling for form at present; raced clear, took keen hold, reduced advantage fifth, joined next, headed ninth, weakened approaching straight, tailed off.

KUDU COUNTRY (IRE) again failed to complete over fences; prominent main group, lost place before ninth, beaten when fell 3 out.

ARKAIM came in for a more patient ride than is often the case nowadays, but got no further than the fourth.