NAAS 13:50 3f3u2m

Non Runners: TANDEM. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 13.7s Closing Sectional: (4.55f): 66.8s (108%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 97.7%

Plenty of unknown quantities, 4 of the 7 having had one run at most since arriving from , and it was one of that quartet who improved enough to come out on top; the first 2 did well to pull as far clear as they did with the field having been well grouped at the second last, and the time was considerably quicker than the other 2 hurdle races over the trip on the card.

SANDSEND (FR) confirmed promise of reappearance/Irish debut dropped back in trip, and would have won more comfortably but for a couple of slight mistakes at the last 2; tracked pace, close up 2 out, upsides last, stayed on well to assert dying strides as first 2 pulled well clear; will go on improving.

FORGE MEADOW (IRE) strong in the market, was seen to good effect back down in trip and was only worn down very late on; made running, travelled smoothly, not fluent fourth, pressed on 2 out, ed last, stuck to task but headed near finish; will continue to run well.

DESTIN D'AJONC (FR) was easy to back and clearly still has something to learn, but offered something to work on, shaping a little better than the distance beaten suggests having lost momentum when steadied markedly into the final flight; soon steadied, took strong hold, headway approaching 3 out, ridden soon after, chased leaders 2 out, ran on.

DOLCIANO DICI (FR) caught the eye on first outing since leaving D. Charon after 22 months off, offering plenty to work on come the finish; in touch, took strong hold, lost place when not fluent 2 out, switched approaching last, ran on; likely to be better for the run and remains with potential.

ON THE GO AGAIN (IRE) had won his last 4 Flat and jumps combined but wasn't seen to best effect up in grade after 4 months off; waited with, short of room approaching home turn until switched between last 2, took third last, hung right and lost 2 places near finish; will remain of interest back in handicap company.

DUCA DE THAIX (FR) was well below form; mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, not quicken; appeals as the type to bounce back quickly given it's been only positives in his career up to this point.

ARCENFETE (IRE) 's Champion Hurdle entry looks extremely fanciful after this, acknowledging that he might have needed the run on first outing since leaving G. Taupin after 20 months off, but, at least, he did travel better than most into the straight; chased leader, not always fluent, shaken up approaching 2 out, folded tamely; next run should reveal more.