Very few came into this low-grade handicap in any sort of form and the first three had it between them from the third last. Joint-bottom weight VALLEY WARRIOR squeezed through to challenge going to the second last and, able to secure the shortest route around the home turn, stayed on well enough to break his duck. He had been runner-up off 12lb higher on his chase debut at Worcester in October but ran off a mere 65 here, with his rider taking off a handy 7lb.

Aisjem was always prominent with the cheekpieces back on but could not hold the lead on the home turn, from which point she was second best. She looks up to winning a little race somewhere.

Last year's winner Paddy The Optimist has become well handicapped, 11lb lower than when gaining his latest victory over this course and distance 11 months ago, but he could not counter after blundering two from home when in with every chance.

Designer Label was off the track for a long time after winning at this venue in September 2003 and had been pulled up on his first two runs back. He showed a bit more in the cheekpieces but faded from the fourth last.

Sissinghurst Storm, whose two wins have been gained at this venue, was still in touch when unseating her rider.

Andrew Tinkler reported that Lady Wurzel was never travelling.

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