Pretty modest fare with the notable exception of a Listed mares bumper, the ground wasn't that deep but the strong wind made it quite holding, according to Brian Hughes.
The opener wasn't a bad little novice hurdle with three likeable individuals in opposition, the market strongly favouring Fix Sun from the bang in-form Henderson stable.
An athletic, rangy animal, he didn't do an awful lot wrong, jumping notably cleanly in defying a penalty with something in hand.
Sheshoon Sonny and Fearless battled it out for second after running contrasting races, the former yet again jumping far from fluently on the whole yet showing plenty of ability and stamina, far from the finished article physically.
The latter took the eye beforehand, a good moving sort sure to win plenty of races in this sphere, just running a shade keenly and novicey on occasions, while looking to have plenty of scope and ability.
The mare Maisiebella ran an honourable fourth, not for the first time revealing herself to be of a decent level, and lots of scope to improve physically and come on again for the outing. She'll now qualify for a mark and will be of interest.
The staying handicap hurdle wasn't as competitive as the betting suggested however it provided a surprise winner in Blue Hussar, who looked on the downgrade in this sphere but had become well handicapped on the back of some lacklustre efforts.
He had his work cut out to get to the good looking mare Highway Girl, who went through the race like a well-handicapped horse following a breathing operation, but had run her race by the time they had cleared the last. There will be other days for this nicely-related chasing type.
Oscars Leader was well found in the market but looked beaten before stamina became an issue and remains something of an enigma for his new trainer, while Ratfacemcdougall looks more suited to this sphere but proved here that he requires a sounder surface.
Seemingly So emerged from the pack but he is terribly slow, and lacks a bit of size. Blinkers might inspire some improvement.
Strong Glance was the first port of call in the following class 4 handicap, quite a comedown for such a promising bumper horse who has taken a long time to get the hang of hurdles.
Not straight forward-looking, he settled and jumped much better than previously and the ducks were aligned on this occasion, showing that turn of foot of old to scamper clear between the final two flights. He raced on the better ground, and if building on this remains handicapped to do a fair amount of damage.
Floating Rock had a progressive profile and was in the right place throughout but was novicey again on occasions and race in the worst of the ground, which reportedly didn't suit (surprise). He's not one to give up on when the ground dries out.
Just So Cool has spent a lot of time on the sidelines and didn't look at all fit here, yet ran a blinder and if seen again in the near future must be worth another chance. El Khaldoun is a strapping chase type and wouldn't have been suited by track or trip.
A decent handicap chase of its type was decimated at halfway by the fall of Just Don't Ask, wiping out numerous others, and it looked as though Ballinslea Bridge had the race at his mercy crossing the second last.
However, he had done far too much in the early part of the race and he paid for it after the last, with the reformed Zolfo making it four on the bounce as he held the rallying Bandsman.
Ballinslea Bridge is a very likeable individual and he should find compensation if allowed to stride on next time out, he loves soft ground and is an enthusiastic galloper and jumper. Ramonex looked fit enough but is a big unit, Tiffin Top is sturdy but made very little appeal and is one to avoid.
Some decent looking mares gathered for the Listed bumper, the elephant in the room being an unraced daughter of Canford Cliffs from the W Mullins yard.
Panic Attack certainly wasn't in need of the generous weight allowance, having loads of size and scope, and she lengthened stylishly in the straight to win like a decent filly.
Midnight Ginger was popular after winning on her debut over 12f but she was very much on her toes in the prelims and though likeable, looks a more speedy type at this juncture.
Runner-up The Getaway Star looks like a Flat horse despite her breeding, and she hit a notable flat spot before staying on well for second, ahead of the robust looking Midnight Callisto, who also stayed on stoutly. They enhanced their profiles giving so much weight to a good horse.
The last two races over fences were of little account regarding future performances, although it's worth noting that the decent looking Out For Justice jumped and galloped like one ready to strike when running on good ground, as he couldn't go with the front pair when coming off the bridle.
Balgemmois had been well backed in much better races on his previous two starts but had been outpaced by a couple of decents sorts last time, and found this stamina test much more to his liking.
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