NEWBURY 15:15

Non Runners: SHADOWS LENGTHEN. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +26 yds

Time: 5m 5.2s Closing Sectional: (3.05f): 48.8s (95.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.1%

A cinderella race for a Grade 3, the proximity to Cheltenham always a factor in its competitiveness, and the relative weakness of the field was compounded by the conditions, only the winner fully coping with them in a truly-run affair.

THOMAS CRAPPER was in a less competitive race than usual and, given some respite by the handicapper too, proved at least as good as ever. though the margin of victory may well flatter him, the only one raising a gallop at the end; held up, took keen hold, good progress eleventh, led after twelfth, clear 3 out, stayed on well; running in this in preference to the veterans race (doubtful stayer at 3m+), he surely won't get into the Plate at Cheltenham, even under a penalty, and is likely to go next for the Topham.

VIC DE TOUZAINE (FR) ran respectably, running left handed for the first time over fences, unfortunate to find the winner at the top of his game; waited with, not fluent third and fourth, headway going better fifth, chased leader seventh, every chance twelfth, not quicken straight; he's well worth a try at 3m, perhaps having more to offer at that trip, interestingly both his Cheltenham entries over that distance.

HOLLYWOODIEN (FR) wasn't disgraced after 8 weeks off, reverted to being ridden up with the pace, the effort all too much for him in the closing stages; close up, led after fourth, clear seventh, headed after twelfth, beaten when blundered 2 out.

O MAONLAI (IRE) once again left the impression he's still on a good mark, set to be involved in the latter stages until a chance-ending blunder before the straight; held up, travelled well, good progress eleventh, yet to be asked for effort when bad mistake twelfth, not recover.

TORNADO IN MILAN (IRE) back over fences, was well held, though things were accepted pretty quickly once it was clear he wasn't going to be involved; prominent, weakened after eleventh, considerately handled.

DRESDEN (IRE) wasn't in the same form as the last twice, a significant mistake before halfway putting him on the back foot; handy, hit sixth, labouring soon after.

MORE BUCK'S (IRE) ran poorly, in trouble a long way out; led until after fourth, labouring eleventh, pulled up 4 out.

OLDGRANGEWOOD disappointed up in grade, not travelling nearly so well as previously over fences and presumably not himself; held up, ridden tenth, pulled up before twelfth; he's best judged on his previous efforts when he returns.

VIBRATO VALTAT (FR) in a change of headgear, looks to have gone the wrong way of late and he turned it in completely this time; held up, blundered eighth, mistake ninth and downed tools immediately, pulled up twelfth; not one to trust.