LUDLOW 14:20

Non Runners: EXITAS (IRE), COPAIN DE CLASSE (FR). Fences: 13.

Time: 4m 6.5s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 33.4s (101.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100%

A well-run novice handicap and an impressive performance by chasing debutant Tree of Liberty, who marked himself down as a novice chaser to follow with a dominant display on his first start for a new yard.

TREE OF LIBERTY (IRE) fairly useful over hurdles for Charlie Longsdon, created a very good impression on chasing debut after 8 months off, looking a smart chaser in the making as he powered clear of his rivals in the straight; led until fourth, remained prominent, led again before 4 out, shaken up from 2 out, in command last, forged clear; open to improvement in this sphere and looks sure to win more races.

NIGHTFLY shaped as if still in good form, unlucky to bump into one; soon steadied, took closer order approaching straight, chased leader 3 out, clouted 2 out, one paced.

JOUEUR BRESILIEN (FR) wasn't in the same form as last time in first-time cheekpieces after 8 weeks off; close up briefly early, settled mid-field, headway leaving back straight, chased leader 4 out, no extra from 2 out, behind when blundered last.

LITTLE CHUNK (IRE) fairly useful over hurdles, was well held sent chasing after 5 weeks off; in touch, lost place when hit ninth, no extra from early in straight.

MASTER OF VERSE (IRE) back down in trip, shaped as if better for the run on first outing since leaving Noel Meade after 4 months off; held up, pulled way to front from fourth, headed before 4 out, weakened, not knocked about.

SISTER SIBYL (IRE) back down in trip, was in the process of running well when departing just as things were heating up, still having work to do with the impressive winner but looking likely to make the places at the time; raced off the pace, headway from 4 out, in share of third and yet to be asked for any serious effort when fell 3 out.