WETHERBY 15:20

All 7 ran. Fences: 19. Race Distance Adjustment: +18 yds

Time: 6m 0s Closing Sectional: (2.35f): 35.7s (97.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.7%

The 2016 Charlie Hall revolved around the horse who used the previous renewal as the first step in one of the most remarkable recovery seasons in modern National Hunt racing but his rare blip opened the door for a turn-up, race-fit Irish Cavalier a relative up and comer but Menorah far from it, neither credible Cheltenham Gold Cup prospects; the pace was a good bit stronger than the later novice at the trip, the leader coming home from 3 out only 0.5s quicker than a coasting Zeroshadesofgrey.

IRISH CAVALIER (IRE) showed the benefit of his Chepstow run but his big-priced first open graded win owed more to others - primarily Cue Card - failing to run to their peak than any improvement on his part, in receipt of 4 lb from the veteran runner-up and making it count with nothing in hand; patiently ridden, he went prominent after 5 out, jumped on 3 out and battled well to fend off the few who remained with a chance, the gap eroding gradually to the line

MENORAH (IRE) ran well after 4 months off, much closer to his winning effort in 2014 than his dismal display 12 months ago; held up close to the winner, he made harder work of getting involved but stuck at it well in the straight, closing gradually even as the line arrived; the rest of his campaign is likely to be geared around his bid for a 4-timer in the Oaksey Chase at Sandown in the spring, probably best watched until then

CUE CARD stood out on a vintage 2015/16 season but, as when last seen at Punchestown 6 months prior, failed by some way to run to that sort of level, his measure already taken by the time his absence could be used as an excuse, pressing on when he did not sufficient defence either in truth given how much he should have had in hand over the remainder; settled in touch, he joined Dynaste in the back straight and jumped on at the fourteenth, but he couldn't get away and had no real answer when headed 3 out, trying hard as he does but held approaching the last and giving way in the final 50 yds; few modern stars deserve writing off less than Cue Card but obviously he does now have a bit to prove in the Betfair Chase next month to show that Father Time isn't catching up with him.

BLAKLION is from a stable famed for having their returners ready but he shaped as if this first run in 7 months will put him spot on, a positive first step outside novice company either way, travelling best under a patient ride but flattening out after looming up 4 out and still holding a chance at the next.

VIRAK (FR) faced a stiffer task stepping out of handicap company after 7 months off but still underperformed, a rarity for him generally and specifically so for his yard so far this autumn, the distance beaten overselling how well he shaped if anything; tracked pace, lost place when blundered thirteenth, labouring before straight, merely plugged on.

DYNASTE (FR) extended his long losing run after 6 months off, an easy horse to oppose nowadays; led until clouted fourteenth, left behind before straight, merely plugged on.

WAKANDA (IRE) fared no better kept out of his grade after 7 months off; pressed leader before halfway, behind from circuit out.