KELSO 15:25 2y4d2p

All 5 ran. Fences: 16. Race Distance Adjustment: +28 yds

Time: 6m 2.6s Closing Sectional: (4.15f): 62.6s (110.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 107%, Betfair SP 96.8%

An aggregate age of 45 spoke accurately of a quintet of known quantities and it was a closer-run thing than the lop-sided bare result might suggest, as first Ned Tanner crashed out when making his challenge 2 out before Richmond Lake followed suit - when ittedly booked for third - at the last.

EMPIRE STEEL (IRE) had undergone a breathing operation and, whether linked or not, built on the positives of his run in the Rowland Meyrick, a race with which he's endured a less happy relationship than he has this one, showing all the qualities that have made him such a likeable and useful fixture in the mud in the North over several seasons as he landed this contest for the second time in 3 years; jumped superbly, made most, kicked on after 2 out, kept going well.

NELLS SON is holding his form rather than improving, having only his sixth start over fences but set to turn 10 next after all; in touch, pushed along after 2 out, effort last, no further impression.

WHOSHOTTHESHERIFF (IRE) ran no better than on his return; soon steadied, mistakes from before halfway, lost touch before straight.

NED TANNER (IRE) was in the process of running well again when his jumping problems resurfaced just as he was mounting his challenge under a patient ride, approaching 2 out a length down but taking off before the leader and finding the fence in his way as he landed.

RICHMOND LAKE (IRE) didn't revive for the drop in grade or return to the mud, lack of stamina not solely to blame back over further; jumped sketchily, disputed lead until second, led briefly before fifth, again before seventh and circuit out, pushed along 2 out, tiring 6 lengths behind Nells Son when fell last.