NEWBURY 16:20

All 6 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 0.2s

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.3%

The market proved the best guide to this interesting handicap, the value of the prize not really matching the 0-145 band and resulting in a small field, neither the second nor third favourites running their race, the winner gifted a soft lead and never seriously troubled.

VOLNAY DE THAIX (FR) improved after 3 months off, on less testing ground than previously, though he very much had the run of the race; dictated, quickened before 2 out, ridden run-in, unchallenged; will probably stay beyond 2m; open to further improvement and likely to be competitive up in grade next time, though fences will be his future.

KINGS LAD (IRE) ran respectably after 11 months off, the run of the race leaving him little chance against the winner; waited with, effort 2 out, kept on.

TED SPREAD gambled on, shaped well, likely to have made more of a fist of it if asked for his effort sooner; in touch, travelled well, shaken up before last, kept on; has shaped encouragingly on both starts for new yard and could well land a handicap off this sort of mark before the spring is much older.

SHAMMICK BOY (IRE) was below form after another 7 weeks off, the run of the race not playing to his strengths; waited with, shaken up before 2 out, made no impression.

DORMELLO MO (FR) had gone up plenty in weights and was taking on older rivals on less testing ground, but he still ought to have done better, falling in a hole when the winner quickened and perhaps amiss; chased leader, travelled well, yet to be asked for effort when not fluent 2 out, folded tamely when pace increased.

KUDA HURAA (IRE) had been expected to benefit from less testing conditions but disappointed, his recent return to action perhaps having left its mark; held up, not fluent 3 out, made no impression.