CARLISLE 17:03 5fo50

Non Runners: MANIGORDO (USA), SHAHNAZ (IRE), MEDICI (IRE).

Time: 1m 42.71s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.95s (99%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 98.2%

A bog-standard handicap for the level but it was one of the lower-mileage runners who came out on top; the pace held up fairly well, the third doing much the best of those who were dropped out.

EPIDAVROS (IRE) had finished third last time in a race that is working out well and got off the mark, better placed than most and seeming suited by the stiff test at the trip; in touch, shaken up over 2f out, switched under 2f out, stayed on to lead well inside final 1f.

SHE'S GOT BOTTLE bounced back to best after a low-key start for the yard, this a good day to revert to front running; dictated, kicked on under 3f out, looked in control over 1f out, edged left entering final 1f, headed final 100 yds; she's uncertain to be in the same form next time.

BRAES OF DOUNE had Mulrennan back on board and again shaped better than the bare result; slowly into stride, held up, pushed along over 3f out, not clear run briefly under 2f out, headway soon after, effort flattened out final 50 yds having been caught further back than ideal; he's clearly still right at the top of his game and remains one to be interested in, especially when a well-run race looks on the cards.

WILLIAM DEWHIRST (IRE) upped in trip and down in grade, ran to a similar level to last time; mid-field, ridden under 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, one paced; he's potentially well treated and it won't take much more of a revival to see him make a major impact at this level.

DISTINCTION (IRE) took a step back in the right direction but didn't go with the fluency that was a feature of his efforts during a purple patch in the summer; mid-field, labouring over 3f out, plugged on.

ALPINE SIERRA (IRE) was strong in the betting back down markedly in grade (has dipped below last winning mark) but couldn't match even the pick of this year's efforts; mid-field, stayed towards far side in straight, pushed along over 2f out, laboured headway, not quicken final 1f.

ISLE OF WOLVES has seen the form of his C&D win last month already receive a couple of knocks and he became the latest horse to let it down; prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened from 2f out.

MAKALU (IRE) after just 7 days off, wasn't seen to best effect and is better judged on previous form; dwelt, in rear, stayed far side in straight, pushed along around 3f out, never landed a blow, had a hopeless task from position.

STRONGBOWE (FR) followed a below-par effort with an even worse one; mid-field, pushed along under 3f out, beaten when hampered over 1f out.

CHATTY has gone off the boil; handy, not settle fully, dropped away from 2f out.

COLORADA DANCER back on turf and down in grade, again ran poorly; close up, in touch still under 2f out, weakened.

MIGHTY POWER (IRE) was well held after 6 weeks off; steadied at the start, raced off the pace, took strong hold, never a threat.