PERTH 16:20

Non Runners: WICKLOW LAD. Fences: 15.

Time: 5m 10.5s

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 99%

A fittingly close finish for one of the course's chasing highlights of the season, competitive on paper and in the market and very much proving the same in the race, the pace contested yet 7 of them covered by around 5 lengths crossing the last, little to split the well-treated trio who ended up a little way clear at the end, all having come in for patient rides.

MAJALA (FR) got back on track having been freshened up by 8-week break, taking advantage of a mark some 12 lb lower than when he was runner-up on reappearance, being fresh clearly no bad thing so far as he's concerned; soon steadied, still plenty to do 4 out, headway on bridle out wide from next, produced last, edged ahead late on, good ride; doesn't always jump this well, but won over hurdles in France this time last year and a similar pattern is probably on the cards now.

ROUDOUDOU VILLE (FR) confirmed his return to better form in no uncertain terms, a late mistake costly after he'd gone at least as well as the winner, another welcome good run from a Dartnall-trained horse at this meeting; patiently ridden, tanked along, good progress ninth, in contention 3 out, yet to be asked for effort when blundered next, every chance after last, kept on well but just denied; he found more than usual, surely a good sign, and will be worth backing to make amends if kept on the go/found a suitable opening.

DARE ME (IRE) bounced back to form, looking every bit as good as when winning at Warwick in the winter; waited with, headway when blundered 5 out, effort after 3 out, edged ahead last, kept on well, caught dying strides.

HIS EXCELLENCY (IRE) had no problem with the trip given another try and ran one of better races of the season; tracked pace, slow third, lost place when slow eleventh, rallied from 2 out, stayed on having been alongside Scotch Warrior crossing the last.

CONQUISTO had clearly benefited from a 13-week break, back to looking enthusiastic and running his best race since Old Roan win in the autumn, deserving extra credit considering he was responsible for a good gallop; forced pace, went with zest, ridden early in straight, headed soon after 3 out, stuck to task, did best of those ridden close up.

SILVER ROQUE (FR) who has gone well fresh, wasn't at all disgraced after 4 months off, especially as he arguably made his effort earlier than ideal in a well-run race; handy, produced to lead soon after 3 out, headed last, no extra.

SCOTCH WARRIOR a prolific course winner, wasn't up to this better company having gone up 5 lb for Ayr but at least continues in good heart; pressed leader, outpaced home turn, stuck to task.

BOBOWEN (IRE) shaped as if retaining his ability after 7 months off, just not seen to best effect; mid-field, lost place when mistake tenth, met some trouble home turn, stayed on, never landed a blow.

TAP NIGHT (USA) has become rather disappointing, over the top for the season now or otherwise; mid-field, not always fluent, lost place 5 out, struggling home turn.

QUINCY DES PICTONS (FR) well backed having won this race last year from just 2 lb lower, failed to justify the support after 7 weeks off, his jumping no help but not solely to blame; prominent, jumped sketchily, ridden from 4 out, one paced from next.

TARTAN SNOW just out of handicap, wasn't up to the task; close up, shaken up after ninth, outpaced eleventh, hit 4 out, plugged on straight.

SHADOWS LENGTHEN found run of good form coming to a halt; dropped out, not always fluent, ridden from 4 out, no response.