TAUNTON 14:45

Non Runners: MAX WARD (IRE). Fences: 15. Race Distance Adjustment: +146 yds

Time: 5m 43.4s Closing Sectional: (2.2f): 33.4s (101.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 101.5%

A triumph for the quick-thinking of the authorities, who saved this prestigious prize following Huntingdon's weekend cancellation, mostly to the benefit of Nicky Henderson as it turned out, responsible for the first 2 home, a younger, more progressive one taking the scalp of the defending Josses Hill, who'd ensured it wasn't run at a dawdle.

TOP NOTCH (FR) made the most of an even better opportunity than he'd looked to hold in the original field for this the weekend before, though it was still a display of a coming force, flourishing aged 6 in only his second season chasing, as likely a candidate to use this as a springboard to Grade 1 glory as has been seen landing this race in recent times; he went about it with now customary efficiency, settled in touch, looming up approaching 3 out and soon settling matters once he'd jumped on at the next, firmly in control when making his only untidy leap of another solid round at the last; he has to be near the top of any Ryanair shortlist, though his trainer expressed post-race how he'd have been edging towards a step up to 3m for the King George without the presence of the same owner's Bristol de Mai.

JOSSES HILL (IRE) wasn't up to beating his up-and-coming stablemate at level weights, having to settle for second in his bid for successive wins in this race, a return to form on his part but one aided by the sort of low-pressure scenario that has long since suited him best; reverted to forcing tactics, he jumped more fluently than often in small field but was a sitting duck from the home turn, picked off at will 2 out but keeping at it to stay clear of the rest; circumstances are unlikely to be so favourable next time.

PTIT ZIG (FR) extended his losing run, winless in Britain since April 2016, often in above his head in the meantime but probably not so willing nowadays, either; chased leader, went in snatches, blundered ninth, ridden from 4 out, held when slow 3 out.

VANITEUX (FR) unproven at the trip, hinted at a revival in first-time blinkers, other targets later on - likely back around 2m - presumably on the agenda; patiently ridden, he went a non-threatening third 3 out but wasn't knocked about, eventually tiring and run out of the placings.