A modest but competitive handicap chase in which the novice PRECIOUS BANE made just about every yard under a good ride. His task was admittedly made easier with King Bee, Graceful Dancer and Miss Mailmit failing to complete, but he still had to work hard to hold off the relatively fast-finishing runner-up and showed himself every bit as effective without cheekpieces (they were fitted when he was third at Haydock on his previous start). Clearly still improving, he may not look too badly treated when reassessed and appeals as one to keep on the right side.

Earl's Kitchen was pulled up in a similar event over course and distance on his previous start, but had the tongue-tie back on this time and ran much better. He was closing all the way to the line and is probably better suited by even further.

Dun Locha Castle, from 2lb out of the handicap, ran a solid enough race. His handicap mark enables him to race in a lower grade, and that could provide him with best chance of gaining a deserved success.

Cinnamon Line, who was pulled up on his reappearance, did not see his race out after moving into contention going quite well.

Datito won a similar race over course and distance under similar conditions just two starts previously, so this was disappointing.

Recent Warwick winner King Bee fell too early to know how he might have fared, and in the process ended the chance of Graceful Dancer, who was badly hampered and unseated her rider on this hat-trick attempt. Miss Mailmit parted company with her rider a long way from home on her return from a 278-day break.

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