EXETER 15:10 t6g2v

Non Runners: GUNNA BE A DEVIL (IRE). Fences: 15.

Time: 4m 41.7s

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 102.2%

What looked a competitive race on paper didn't fully materialise with several disappointing, though full credit must go to the wide-margin winner all the same, such was the authority with which he left behind a runner-up who'd filled the same position in a C&D novice the time before.

DAYMAR BAY (IRE) on the heels of a pair of fine displays in warm jumpers bumpers, became the latest to use such races as a springboard to better back over jumps, building plenty on conspicuous earlier promise in chases as he belatedly got off the mark outside bumpers, in some style, too; mid-field, tanked along, headway on bridle back straight, went on tenth, drew clear after 4 out, kept on well, impressive; surely capable of following up.

GORES ISLAND (IRE) ran to similar level as last time in again bumping into a much better one at the weights; patiently ridden, smooth headway out wide eighth, chased leader from early in straight, stayed on, no impression on winner.

EASILY PLEASED (IRE) shaped as if still in good form; dropped out, still plenty to do before 5 out, effort early in straight, ran on, never nearer, left poorly placed.

GORSKY ISLAND eye-catchingly switched straight to chasing after only 2 hurdles runs, shaped encouragingly amidst inexperience after 8 weeks off, especially considering he was dropped markedly in trip when he's already shown he stays 3m well; mid-field, novicey mistakes, travelled well, effort home turn, plugged on without making any further impression; sure to progress, and one to be interested in.

TOBY LERONE (IRE) possibly found the run coming too soon; chased leader, ridden home turn, beaten when mistakes 3 out and 2 out; worth another chance.

ATLANTIC ROLLER (IRE) ran much as he had in 2 runs over hurdles this season after yet another absence (9 weeks), the type to make a better chaser in of physique but not delivering off the bridle at the first attempt, that despite the fitting of a tongue strap; mid-field, went with zest, close up from seventh, not fluent tenth, folded before 4 out; obviously should do better for all his overall record is increasingly unconvincing.

TOUR D'ARGENT (FR) ran poorly, even by this season's standards, after 6 weeks off; typically not fluent, never landed a blow.

SURE THING (FR) after just 4 days off, went wrong way from promising chasing debut, almost certainly turned out too quickly given length of absence prior to previous run; led, headed after seventh, folded tamely from 5 out.

MCVICAR not an obvious chaser, duly offered little sent over fences after 4 months off; not always fluent, off the bridle long way out, never better than mid-field.