PLUMPTON 14:40

All 8 ran. Fences: 20.

Time: 7m 24.9s Closing Sectional: (3.6f): 57.8s (97.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.5%

The fact that the winner was sent off at 11/8 reflects the progress he's made in a short space of time, but also the lack of depth in what is only a 0-135 - in fact, without the top 2 this would have been a weak 0-125 - and, with one of the main dangers coming to grief as the race was really developing, it's best not to get carried away with the fact the first pair pulled well clear, the 2 of them having dominated more or less throughout.

THE TWO AMIGOS progressed again to win his second long-distance handicap in as many starts, once again looking a most likeable sort; disputed lead, jumped well in main, travelled smoothly, went on ninth, pressing on when came up long 3 out, tackled briefly last, asserted flat; he may do better still, though will be up in the 140s after this and forced into the premier league of staying handicaps (though he has the option of returning to novice company - the National Hunt Chase a potential spring target).

CALIN DU BRIZAIS (FR) isn't the easiest of rides and responded well to having a fully-fledged rider back in the saddle returned to fences after 9 weeks off, better than ever and fully proving his stamina for this longer trip; disputed lead, not fluent ninth, effort before home turn, untidy 2 out, challenged again last, held run-in, pulled clear of rest.

PEARL SWAN (FR) wasn't disgraced by amy means but shaped as if better for the run after 9 months off, spared a hard race once the first pair stretched clear; in touch, hampered first, shaken up early final circuit, kept on gradually, not unduly punished.

LAC SACRE (FR) possibly still needed this run (from 3 lb out of the handicap); held up, took closer order circuit out, shaken up after 5 out, left behind gradually.

BIG MEADOW (IRE) is prone to a lacklustre display and produced one here, beaten a good bit further by the winner than on his return despite being 12 lb better off; tracked pace, went in snatches, lost ground circuit out, hit fifteenth, soon done with.

THE TIN MINER (IRE) wasn't on his game jumping-wise, apparent right from the start; prominent, very awkward first, bad mistake sixth, blundered twelfth, lost touch after.

RIGHTDOWNTHEMIDDLE (IRE) offered little and is very hard to assess at present; in rear, jumped awkwardly, ridden over circuit out, soon beaten.

I SEE YOU WELL (FR) was right in contention when coming down though he still had his stamina to prove and it was just a bit too far out to suggest how he'd have fared; waited with, crept closer thirteenth, just starting to be shaken up when fell heavily 5 out.