UTTOXETER 13:30 264cd

Non Runners: FANTASTIC LADY (FR). Fences: 15.

Time: 5m 11.1s Closing Sectional: (2.7f): 39.2s (107.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99.7%

A race that panned out much more in keeping with the open nature of the betting than the lopsided shape of the race, Call Me Lord the only one in the handicap proper; after an early joust for the lead the pace steadied and everything had a chance going to 5 out.

COME ON TEDDY (IRE) a likeable staying handicapper over hurdles last season, made a successful switch to chasing after 8 months off, auguring well for his prospects that he was able to win over this trip, even in front 3 out; patiently ridden, jumped safely, crept closer out wide 5 out, jumped on 3 out, closed down near finish, always holding on; open to improvement, easy to see a campaign built around getting him back to Cheltenham for something like the Ultima.

FERN HILL (IRE) who won twice in a light campaign over hurdles last season, made a promising switch to fences after 10 months off, all bar Call Me Lord out of the handicap but him by most (7 lb); pressed leader, mistake eighth, led 4 out, headed next, rallied, closed down winner near finish; open to improvement and seems sure to win races in this sphere.

GUSTAVIAN (IRE) strong in the betting, showed plenty to work on starting out over fences after 9 months off, coming in for a fairly considerate ride considering the money for him; held up, untidy 5 out, in contention next, kept on, not knocked about; entitled to progress.

CALL ME LORD (FR) whose presence kept everything else out of the weights in this limited handicap, is a smart but seasoned campaigner over hurdles whose switching to fences little before turning 9 smacked of hope rather than expectation, and he didn't jump well enough after 8 months off; mid-field, clouted fifth, went handy 5 out, mistake next, held when not fluent 2 out, slow last; he could improve on this fitness-wise, but it has to be doubtful he'll be as good in this sphere as over hurdles.

MASTER DEBONAIR went backwards from chasing bow, the promise of his novice hurdling season fast evaporating; close up, bad mistake fifth, untidy 5 out and 4 out, dropped away next.

SAIL AWAY (FR) back down in trip, went backwards from reappearance, not seeing his race out at all having won the early joust for the lead; led, headed when untidy 4 out, steadied into next, faltered.

BALLYBEGG (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, fared no better than at Carlisle, major questions to answer now; mid-division, mistake ninth, reminders after, lost place when clouted 5 out.