PLUMPTON 13:30

All 6 ran. Fences: 14.

Time: 4m 59.1s Closing Sectional: (3.6f): 55.6s (98.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.1%

A race that has been won by some above-average chasers in the past and the pair that dominated the latest renewal are very much in that bracket, Le Mercurey overhauling the front-running Violet Dancer at the last, the latter having ensured a sound gallop.

LE MERCUREY (FR) was far from disgraced in a trio of competitive handicaps last season, but he was rather marking time ahead of a switch to fences and, having reportedly had a wind operation over the summer, found immediate improvement for the change of discipline, appealing as one to keep on side in the coming weeks and months, set to relish trips in excess of 2½m when given the opportunity; prominent, jumped soundly, ridden in pursuit of leader between last 2, led last, kept going well.

VIOLET DANCER emerged with great credit attempting to concede 5 lb to a similarly smart prospect, matching the pick of his hurdles form, this trip probably as far as he wants to go; led, shaken up between last 2, headed last and jockey quick to accept the situation on the run-in; remains with potential and is sure to win more races in this sphere.

KINGFISHER CREEK had something to find at the weights and will ultimately be better off in handicaps, but the fitting of first-time cheekpieces did little to dispel doubts over his temperament, carrying his head awkwardly at various stages; held up, untidy first, left behind 5 out.

CADOUDOFF (FR) was disappointing on the back of a promising chasing debut, this a very lacklustre display; held up, hit sixth, labouring badly circuit out, well behind when clouted 4 out.

INNER DRIVE (IRE) shaped much better than the distance beaten suggests on this reappearance/chasing debut, comfortably third best on the day, a jumping error 3 out knocking the stuffing out of him; in touch, crept closer approaching seventh, just starting to be ridden when mistake 3 out, faltered; a former point winner, he could improve quite markedly.

KAZLIAN (FR) very lightly raced in recent seasons, was well held sent chasing after a further 8 months off, the trip not an issue, though connections might have other days in mind; prominent, mistake first and not fluent thereafter, lost place and given reminders soon after seventh, tailing off when blundered 4 out.