WINCANTON 15:10

All 11 ran. Fences: 13.

Time: 5m 36.6s Closing Sectional: (2.28f): 36.4s (102.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 100.9%

A well-run race on testing ground and not many coped, only 5 completing, and of them only the winner gave his running; Saint Raph would have been pushed close by Atlantic Roller but for that one unseating at the last, however, and given they are easily the least exposed in the field it's worth taking a positive view of their efforts.

SAINT RAPH (FR) had shaped better than the bare result over this C&D on British debut in November and, back over fences, showed much improved form to open his account in this country; prominent, jumped well in main, went with enthusiasm, ridden when joined before 2 out, responding well and seemed to have Atlantic Roller's measure when left clear last; he's clearly a much better chaser than hurdler and is open to further improvement in this sphere.

TOLKEINS TANGO (IRE) wasn't disgraced in a gruelling race for all that he was beaten a long way; held up, steady headway after eighth, chased leaders home turn, held 2 out, left second last, no impression on winner.

SIMPLY WINGS (IRE) had everything in his favour when winning last time and wasn't in the same form from higher mark in this more competitive affair; chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, beaten when jumped right 2 out, left in a place last.

CLOUDY BOB (IRE) was below form, not seeing things out reverted to positive tactics; led until fifth, remained prominent, weakened between 3 out and 2 out, finished tired.

NOTARFBAD (IRE) managed to complete, unlike most, but it was one of his lesser efforts; chased leaders, struggling after ninth, soon done with; his stable are struggling at present and he has slipped to a handy mark for when they're showing better signs.

ATLANTIC ROLLER (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, was in process of showing improved form when departing at the final fence; mid-division, travelled strongly, shaken up after 2 out, clear second (around length down) when unseated rider last, looked set to go close but winner was finding extra; he's clearly ahead of his mark and can gain compensation before long.

DAYS AHEAD (IRE) ran no sort of race; very slowly away, in touch fourth, beaten after ninth, looked less than straightforward; temperament under suspicion.

BINCOMBE was let down by jumping; held up, mistakes sixth, eighth, tenth, made no impression (possibly amiss).

VIOLETS BOY (IRE) unproven on the ground but just clearly wasn't 100% on the day; mid-division, beaten when pulled up after 3 out, seemed amiss.

DRUMSHAMBO (USA) after 10 weeks off, ran a moody race; chased leaders, soon under pressure, lost place after fourth, beaten long way out; has suspect attitude and plenty to prove at present, over a year now since he's shown his form.

SHOEGAZER (IRE) ran no better than on return; chased leaders, labouring badly eighth, behind when blundered tenth; plenty to prove at present.