TAUNTON 14:40

All 8 ran. Fences: 17. Race Distance Adjustment: +119 yds

Time: 6m 19.8s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 34.4s (103.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 102%

Less competitive a handicap than it might've been, with only 2 of the 8 giving their running, though that pair were both well-in on old form and there are grounds for taking a positive view of them; the lead was disputed, making for an even gallop.

WYCHWOODS BROOK confirmed promise of last run, looking at least as good as ever; in touch, travelled well, tracked pace from circuit out, led before 3 out, effort next, not fluent last, kept going well; he's got it in him to be competitive from a mark in the low-140s, though recent record casts some doubt as to whether he'll be able to hold his form.

EASTER DAY (FR) back over fences, returned to form, tackling a lower grade of handicap than when last seen in this sphere; patiently ridden, travelled well, crept closer early final circuit, chased leaders 4 out, pushed along next, every chance after, stuck to task; he's still got time on his side and might yet have a good prize in him if holding things together.

MURRAYANA (IRE) failed to repeat last effort but did enough to think he hasn't totally lost his form, and lack of stamina for the longer trip didn't seem to be an issue; patiently ridden, jumped left at times, ridden before 5 out, left behind home turn; he may well be better going the other way round.

TOP WOOD (FR) wasn't in same form as last time, failing to last home having arguably overdone the prominent tactics; disputed lead, pushed along 4 out, weakened next (hampered there).

PADDY THE OSCAR (IRE) shaped as if still in good form until his race came to an end; disputed lead, kicked on soon after 4 out, headed before next, third and set to be left behind by first 2 when fell there.

MORNEY WING (IRE) wasn't in same form as last time, his jumping not up to scratch after he'd failed to get anywhere close to the front; held up, pecked first, went prominent sixth, lost place when clouted eighth, struggling early final circuit.

UNION JACK D'YCY (FR) wasn't on a going day; mid-division, slow second, lost place fifth, never going well after, well beaten early final circuit, looked none too keen; unpredictable.

ST DOMINICK (IRE) back down in trip, ran poorly away from Exeter for the first time over fences, this sharper track perhaps not so much his thing; dropped out, pushed along eleventh, brief headway 5 out, no further impression; type to bounce back quickly.