RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

Saturday December 28th:

Newbury Results

In the juvenile hurdle, a strong-travelling Baradari showed he had learned plenty from an undistinguished debut here when twenty-eight lengths behind Calipto at the end of November.

The form from that race is already looking strong; this well-bred French import was beaten too far to directly boost it, but on this evidence could be half-decent.

This time Baradari loomed in the straight and only had to be pushed out to score from moderate opponents. The penalised Cadoudoff did his best under a 10lbs penalty in second. Hurdling debutant Ronaldinho looks the part but his jumping let him down. By Jeremy, the inference could be he failed to get home. It is early days for such a conclusion. If his jumping sharpens-up, he may improve on an easier track and on better ground.

The once-vaunted Mandarin Chase is no longer the race it was. This year, Financial Climate won from a mark of 118 from Faultless Feelings – who jumped impeccably throughout but was unable to quicken on the run-in.

The Grade 1 Challow hurdle was not easy to unravel beforehand as it featured up-and-coming contenders that by and large had been quietly campaigned up to now.

Oscar Rock – behind subsequent Cheltenham winner Ballyalton last time – and Timesremembered – favoured on revised terms with Creepy – headed the market.

It was left to Captain Cutter, a recent Market Rasen winner, to make a successful step up in grade. Dropped out at the rear, stalking the field, he arrived strongly over the last two to pick it up approaching the last. He stayed the trip well to beat Timesremembered and Oscar Rock, whose light went out pretty quickly.

The consistent Whisper gained some well deserved compensation for a couple of narrow defeats in hot handicap company in the Class 2 hurdle. His handicap mark is creeping up, but he seems to be improving with it. Black Thunder, back to hurdles after a soft fall on his chasing debut, did not convince.

Fair play to both McCoy and Stand To Reason for recovering from a near race-ending error at the third-last in the introductory hurdle.

McCoy kept his cool and his mount together, coming back into contention towards the last. Having stepped at the second-last, Wilde Blue Yonder did the same at the last when back in front and apparently all set to win. Whereas McCoy was brilliant on Stand To Reason, Thornton was less so on Wilde Blue Yonder. It was a heavy and sickening fall, and one which may make the horse think twice about the game next time.

Chepstow Results

Deputy Dan drew well clear of his rivals in the maiden hurdle. The winning distance on such a soft surface is often flattering; what it did tell us is that he stays 2m 4f on his head and can gallop all day.

The Grade1 juvenile hurdle was effectively reduced to a field of four (the rag, Arty Campbell having no chance).

Four became three, became two on the run to the last when confirmed mudlark, Le Rocher, made a promising start to his career over here with a hard-fought success.

Kentucky Hyden – said to have thrown his race away at Cheltenham in the paddock last time – made most of the running and went down fighting. Like the winner, the runner-up is proven on heavy ground. Sandown winner Violet Dancer found this company a little too hot.

The slog that was the Welsh National went to Mountainous from Hawkes Point (who may be open to improvement over extreme distances later in the season). The hero was surely top weight Tidal Bay, who has surely advertised possible Grand National claims having run a screamer under the circumstances.

Three came clear in the closing stages of the Lexus, where, head down and giving it his all, Bobs Worth helped turn round the fortune of the Nicky Henderson stable. In cutting back First Lieutenant and Rubi Ball on the run-in, the Gold Cup winner reinstated his position as one of the best chasers around.
December 27th

Kempton Results

Having underperformed at Cheltenham on his British debut behind Ballyglasheen in a race that made only partial sense, Vicenzo Mio strolled home to victory in the Class 3 for juveniles.
He acted very well on ground described as soft to score with ears pricked from a couple of average types in Stephen Hero and Raven’s Tower. French import Astre De La Cour found it all a struggle and was well beaten-off from the home turn.

After chase wins here and at Cheltenham, Dodging Bullets beat his only serious rival, Grandouet in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Chase.

Taken at face value, a ten length defeat of Grandouet reads well, but Grandouet did fold remarkably quickly and it seems fair to say this did not represent a reproduction of his recent Sandown form. Turning for home it seemed as if he was going at least as well as the winner, but the complexion of the race changed in a stride as Grandouet – who is yet to win over fences – virtually sat down.

The ground seems the only reasonable explanation. Dodging Bullets is getting better all the time over the larger obstacles and provided a quick double for the in-form Paul Nicholls stable.

Mickie (odd name for a mare) plodded home despite being out on her feet in the Class 2 handicap hurdle for mares. She successfully conceded fifteen pounds to the runner-up Cannon Fodder and defied a rise of 7lbs for a length- and-half win at Newbury last time.

Hang around long enough and all the greats get beaten some time or another. It happened to Sprinter Sacre in the Desert Orchid after he made a needlessly extravagant leap on the last of the fences on the side of the course before turning onto the far-side.

Two stuffy jumps followed (got in tight) and just as Fago and a chasing Sire De Grugy were getting away, Barry Geraghty (not a man to overreact) called it a day before the next.

Hardly believing his luck, Jamie Moore kicked Sire De Grugy on to beat eleven-year-old Oiseau De Nuit. Although it looked unlikely beforehand, if ever Sire De Grugy was to beat Sprinter Sacre – on this ground, and after a well-publicised setback to the unbeaten and generally acknowledged champion – this was likely to have been the day.

It remains to be seen if we will see Sprinter Sacre in action again, and if we do, whether he will ever be quite the same horse. He did look somewhat sorry for himself afterwards and initial reports suggest he returned with an irregular heartbeat. Great credit must go to Geraghty for acting so swiftly under such difficult circumstances.

As if to emphasise his overall brilliance, Barry Geraghty gave Ma Filleule the ride of a lifetime in the Class 2 handicap chase. It was X-rated stuff in these conditions, but once headed over the last, Geraghty drove the mare back to the front from Valaroso. As a race it is unlikely to be referred to again for any other reason other than as an example of outstanding jockeyship.

At the end of two days of racing that featured more than one perplexing result, Three Kingdoms inched out Vibrato Valtat, who was travelling oh so well for so long in the Class 3 handicap hurdle.

Second to yesterday’s disappointment Vaniteux at Sandown, having gone so close in such a hot handicap, means Vibrato Valtat has advertised form that already looked strong.

December 26th:

Kempton Results

At least they raced, but the ground was soft bordering on heavy. On the face of it with his main rivals underperforming big-style, Vaniteux’s failure to land the Class 2 novice hurdle was disappointing.

Champagne At Tara refused to settle and despite the best efforts of A P McCoy had run his race well before the home straight. Dubai Prince (such an easy winner at Leicester and Group class on the Flat), was snuffed out like the proverbial candle early in the straight.

Vaniteux’s nemesis proved to be the hurdles. He got half of them right but those he got wrong cost him valuable impetus and ground. His failure to negotiate the last properly when staging a rally meant all chance was gone.

Having created such a favourable impression at Sandown, it is premature to write him off. Kempton may not have suited and he is in good hands.

Amore Alato caused something of a shock but he came into this on the upgrade and, although dangerous to take this win at face value, he deserves respect in similar company until he proves otherwise.

In second, Fascino Rustino had been beaten a long way in a good novice event at Newbury that was won by Wilde Blue Yonder. Even so, this represented major improvement. In third, Sgt Reckless had finished behind the winner at Wincanton before winning here next time, so who knows – maybe the form is half-decent.

Loose Chips kept up a strong gallop in the handicap chase, holding on in the face of a furious sprint from Ohio Gold on the run-in that would have prevailed in another couple of strides.

Newcomer to fences, Urbain De Sivola made up a trio that was clear. He has shaped with promise and will not always face such a searching test.

The other chase debutant, Western Warhorse, looked like a crackpot. Charging to post and then getting loose, his withdrawal must have been welcomed by all concerned. Over hurdles at Newbury, his rider had been blamed for making too much use of him when trying to make all over three miles; however, on this showing, he looks his own worst enemy.

The Grade 1 Feltham looked sub-standard beforehand and so it proved. Sent off in front, Annacotty galloped legless rivals into submission. Green Flag plugged on in second. At as Newbury, Third Intention found little from a long way out. The favourite, Just A Par got very tired and eventually finished fourth of five.

As expected, the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle developed into a match between Champion Hurdle pretenders, My Tent Or Yours and The New One. On this sharp track, against a proven stayer that has won over further, conditions ought to have suited My Tent Or Yours better, but the result was tight and a mistake at the last arguably cost The New One dear.

n front from three out, The New One met the last a length in front from his already closing rival. The New One dipped on landing and My Tent Or Yours saw it out to the line. The impression formed at the last was that he was coming to win his race in any case. According to McCoy, the winner needs to improve again, but is getting there all the time.

Neither look outstanding Champion candidates at this stage but they are pretty good. Come Cheltenham in March that may be enough for one of them to prevail.

Silviniaco Conti, the horse that arguably was about to win – or certainly go close – in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup before falling at the top of the hill, had his big day in the King George.

After finishing only third in the Betfair at Haydock, this was another masterly piece of training from Paul Nicholls. Having been in the first two throughout, when it came to a war of attrition, Silviniaco Conti, who with the exception of the third-last had jumped brilliantly all the way, outstayed a tiring Cue Card.

In trying to make all, Cue Card made a valiant attempt, handling these fences with ease. Having enjoyed an uncontested lead at Haydock, his rivals were alive to the dangers of letting him slip clear a second time. Although harried by the winner all the way, he looked to have burnt him off on the run to the last.

Then his stride shortened and although leaping the last safely, he could offer no more. The Gold Cup trip is likely to find him out.

Despite a couple of minor errors, Al Ferof kept on in atrocious conditions and, although this trip may be at the furthest point of his stamina, he did stay. Two-and-half would be right up his alley.

Stuttering his way round to a degree, Mount Benbulben stayed on for fourth. The big disappointment was Dynaste, who was never in a satisfactory rhythm at any stage and was never going to offer any kind of threat. He jumped sluggishly, getting underneath several fences and was niggled from a long way out. It may have been the ground but this was nowhere near the form he is capable of.

Not everything went according to plan at Leopardstown, the other big venue of the day.

Clondaw Court scrambled home in the maiden hurdle; heavily-backed Analifet pulled up in the juvenile, leaving Guitar Pete to underline the worth of his second to subsequent flop Royal Irish Hussar at Cheltenham. Arkle favourite, Champagne Fever was beaten a total of over fourteen lengths in the Grade 1 novice chase and is another to blow apart preconceptions
Saturday December 21st:

Ascot results

Very soft ground tempers enthusiasm for the results. Easter Day won the four-runner graduation chase nicely enough and will no doubt face a step up in grade next time.

Without Newbury winner Celestial Halo, At Fishers Cross faced an easier task in the Long Walk Hurdle.

Unbeaten over hurdles before blotting his copybook that day, such was the manner of his lackadaisical showing last time, and his worrying error two out, at odds-on punters were reluctant to support him.

Once again, At Fishers Cross jumped tentatively – more like a novice on his first run – reserving his worst mistake for the last when losing his undercarriage and Tony McCoy. He was beaten anyway but does not look right in himself at present.

Revelling in the soft ground, and winning this Grade 1 for the second year in succession, although not foot-perfect himself, Reve De Sivola made all. Salubrious was another to blunder away any chance at the second-last when looking as if he might present a threat. He did recover and stay on for second.

The handicapper seems to have nailed Houblon Des Obeaux to the cross after his win in the United Chase here in November.

However, in a weak Class 1 handicap (Hennessy winner Triolo D’ Alene was a late defector), he was able to dominate, despite picking up four faults at more than one fence. He is most effective on the soft and did put in his best leaps when it mattered. His current mark of 152 is plenty high enough; a revision will surely take future tasks into the mission impossible category.

Cedre Bleu bore down on Houblon Des Obeaux at the last, but when push came to shove was content to take a lead.

On ground that was officially soft bordering on heavy, carrying top weight of 11st 12lbs from a mark of 151, French four-year-old import, Ptit Zig took the honours in the Class 1 Ladbroke when chasing home the bottom weight, Willow Saviour.

We may not see the runner-up in a handicap again, although in any case his trainer considers him more of a future chaser than a hurdler.

As for the winner, he recorded a hat-trick that was initiated at this track in November from a mark of 115, supplemented it at lowly Musselburgh from 121 and today smashed 130 in one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season.

Ever-consistent Flaxen Flare was third despite the fact he is handicapped to the hilt. In fourth, Chris Pea Green ran well enough (Chatterbox should have been alongside but surely floundered in the ground – he was never travelling). The complexion of the race was altered to a degree when Recession Proof came down on the far-side, interfering with several runners that were already feeling the strain.

December 20th:

Ascot Results

It didn’t take Nicky Henderson long to get on the score sheet.

Back in action after a pottery round of chasing at Kempton, Royal Boy, third in the Tolworth in January, cruised to victory in the Class 3 over 2m 6f from stable mate Big Hands Harry and Pleasant Company.

Responsible for the first two and the fourth, the Henderson stable is currently flying.

Irving is gradually working his way up the novice ladder. Useful in Germany, he took the Grade 2 but it would have been tight had not Prince Siegfried crashed out at the last when holding every chance.

Volnay de Thaix suffered a rare reversal at present for the Henderson yard when only second (would have finished third). This assignment was much harder than the two he has so far faced (particularly the egg-and-spoon contest he was gifted at Newbury last time).With easy Aintree winner, Splash Of Ginge a close third, this has to be regarded as strong form.

Coming back in trip (2m 3f), Fox Appeal, who was second in November to the smart Wonderful Charm at Wincanton, came clear of a couple of useful opponents in Raya Star and Mr Mole in the Grade 2 chase.
December 18th

Newbury Racing

Apparently unfancied by his stable when only fourth on debut behind Calipto, Actival and Chocala at this track on Hennessy Friday, Dawalan was very much the market order in the Class 4 hurdle this time round.

Very well-bred – related to several high class members of the Aga Khan’s dynasty – Dawalan only had to be shaken up to win in the manner of a stayer rather than a quickener. His jumping was sketchy early but he did warm to the task, although he gave the second-last plenty of air. This was probably not a strong novice event.

In second, Rayak came into this with only routine form. In third, Certification looks a useful recruit (J P Ferguson has several rejects from Mark Johnston, all of whom have acquitted themselves with promise over hurdles). They finished at long intervals, which, on soft ground that became softer as more rain fell, was to become a feature of the day.

Josses Hill became another winner for the Henderson yard when pulling away on the run-in in the Class 4 for older horses. This was his first effort over timber and it augers well for the future.

Communicator was another to please on his hurdling debut. Proven on soft ground on the Flat, he jumped well enough and saw his race out. He should open his account before too long.

In third, having occupied the same position to Wilde Blue Yonder last month, Tiqris lends credence to the worth of the race. A Hare Breath was fourth – it was then twenty-five lengths back to the next finisher.

Hadrian’s Approach, an early causality in the Hennessy, was nursed round by Barry Geraghty to beat three rivals in the Class 2 graduation chase. Jumping may not be the horse’s strong suit, but on a day when the Henderson stable shone, the jockey ought to take his fair share of the credit.

The Henderson/Geraghty combination was narrowly denied a four-timer when Tistory was run out of the Class 4 novice on the run-in by Brother Brian.

December 13th:

Cheltenham Results

Oscar Whisky may have won the Class 2 novice chase but the plaudits have to go to Wonderful Charm, who was conceding 8lbs.

They dominated from the start, pulling well clear of their three rivals although Close House was in touch in third before taking a heavy fall at the top of the hill. With little between the two main protagonists at the last, they jumped it well but the weight sealed it in Oscar Whisky’s favour.

They are two smart chasers in the making, although, both Jewson-bound, Wonderful Charm appeals as the better prospect.

The Skyfarmer racked up his fourth straight win in the Class 3 handicap hurdle – his first venture outside novice company. His present rating of 123 will be adjusted but he looks a decent prospect.

Lyvius tested him in second, the pair well clear of their rivals. Obviously their fates rest with the assessor but they were certainly much better than today’s rivals.

Hennessy third, Theatre Guide looked to have his rivals stone cold for most of the way in the Grade 3 handicap – a lesser contest than Newbury’s showpiece two weeks ago. Only raised 2lbs, he jumped well throughout but the writing was on the wall at the last when he was joined by strong-travelling Monbeg Dude.

Unable to quicken, possibly Theatre Guide needs even further than today’s extended three miles to be seen at his best. Monbeg Dude is no slouch and in receipt of 9lbs, it was no disgrace for him to beat the runner-up.

The winner’s target is the Grand National. Sixteen lengths away in third, Pigeon Island is now racing from a reasonable mark although needs his sights to be lowered.

Sunnyhillboy rolled back the years when benefitting from a vintage McCoy drive in the Class 2 handicap hurdle.

The runs of the Philip Hobbs trained duo, Return Spring and So Fine in second and third, further underlines the cracking current form of the stable.

Garde La Victoire certainly looks the part and his first defeat over hurdles in the Class 3 should not be taken too literally. A steady early gallop was not ideal and although he powered to the front at the turn, Ballyalton ran him down on the sprint to the line.

The runner-up – who still has something to learn – will get two-and-half on his head. We saw two nice novices here, both of whom are likely to return for the Festival.

The run of Cocktails At Dawn, who finished third after a year’s absence, suggests he is a winner in waiting.

December 14th:

Cheltenham Results

Winner of a Ludlow claimer, Ballyglasheen created a shock in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, achieving form that so far did not seem on his radar.

After a searching pace, he joined issue at the last and toughed it out. Despite winning an egg and spoon event at Sandown which told us little, Kentucky Hyden had the best credentials based on three spins on soft ground in France. He tried hard to peg the winner back, but in what became an uphill walk to the line was narrowly thwarted.

Hurdling debutant Commissioned shaped well in third. Lightly raced on the Flat, he hurdled proficiently in the main and should open his account soon. Vicenzo Mio travelled like the winner for a long way but failed to quicken from the last.

It was a case of perm any one of three in the four-horse novice chase. The three principals had met last time with

Shutthefrontdoor seemingly handed the best chance today at revised weights. Sloppy jumping on the last circuit when the pace upped meant he was the first beaten.

That left Sam Winner and penalised Le Bec to scrap it out – Sam Winner emerging the better, opening his fencing account under attritional circumstances.

Eastlake is developing into a reliable and consistent handicapper. Rated 140, he jumped well and stuck on gamely from the last to win the Grade 2 handicap from French Opera and Astracad. Not many in the field appeal as well-handicapped and it could be life will be tough for Eastlake from here on. However, he does have the right attitude and looks ready for a step up in class.

Only a five-year-old, Kings Palace is beginning to look like a horse brimming with promise after an all-the-way beating of his rivals in the Grade 2 over three miles.

Being picky, it is easy to poke holes in the form of his win. With his nearest market rivals, Saint Roque (looked as if this run came too quickly after last week’s Sandown effort and suffered a tired fall at the last), and Milan Bound never able to land a blow, in beating the rank outsider, Masters Hill, the bare reading does the winner no favours.

However, it does not tell the full story. Kings Palace is an accomplished jumper that makes it all look effortless. He could be top class one day either over hurdles or fences – if not both.

Double Ross took the Grade 3 handicap chase on his sixth start over fences. Despite a mistake, he came back to clear away and then appeared to falter on the run-in. Cantlow closed in second (another to recover from a jolting error and arguably unlucky), ahead of Colour Squadron, who was undone by a 7lbs rise since finishing second in the Paddy Power. He is yet to win over fences.

The cream rose to the top in the Grade 2 hurdle, The New One producing the finishing kick when it mattered to defy a gallant Zarkandar, who rallied on the run-in.

The New One only did what the form book suggested he should have done (certainly over two miles) and Zarkandar (better over two-and-a-half) has run to form in second. The winner is now a fair enough favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

Not for the first time, More Of That impressed – this time in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle. With only three rivals, including French Champion Hurdle winner Gemix (hopelessly at sea over these hurdles), once again, his class was obvious. Slipstreaming Salubrious, he picked him up with something to spare. He continues to progress and, like Kings Palace, is another on the day we have yet to see the best of.

Royal Irish Hussar emptied very quickly at Doncaster in the Grade 2 novice hurdle, not looking the same horse we saw last time at Cheltenham. Making the running as usual, the writing was on the wall some way out. Rather than find his second wind, this time he faded away tamely.

Fox Norton, a neck behind Royal Irish Hussar at Market Rasen before the winner of that day began his upward climb to potential stardom, held on narrowly from hurdling debutant Broughton – another ex-Mark Johnston inmate from the Flat that has joined the Ferguson stable and looks to have a future at this game.

Saturday December 7th:

Sandown Results

Vaniteux’ s win over Vibrato Valtat in the novice hurdle represented smart form.

The runner-up, looking all set to collect when popping the last and apparently in command, had previously finished eleven lengths behind Quick Jack in a competitive Cheltenham handicap. However, under a confident ride Vaniteux quickened in the style of a smart recruit on the run-in, winning with plenty in hand. He looks like another powerful addition to the Henderson yard.

Saphir Du Rheu, the only four-year-old in the line-up, routed the opposition in the Class 2 Pertemps qualifier over 2m 6f. With Home Run and Whisper filling the places (although tagged by the handicapper they are useful sorts), this had the makings of a solid event.

The way the winner cruised to the front and then dispensed with his rivals indicates this step up in trip has brought about plenty of improvement. Currently rated 130 – a mark about to become history – he could be a cut above this level and will likely stay three miles.

The Henry VIII Chase, the first of the Grade 1’s, went to experienced novice Hinterland. Second to Captain Conan in this event last year, he maintained his jumping whilst several fiddled away their chances. Ultimately the best hurdler in the field, Grandouet, provided the biggest challenge. A faller on debut, he handled these fences well. Taquin Du Seuil never looked that happy. On this evidence he found the trip too sharp and probably the ground too lively. A mistake on the far-side did not help, but he did not look an Arkle winner today.

After the run of Vibrato Valtat in the opener, Deep Trouble further franked the Quick Jack form with an extraordinary win in the Listed handicap.

Scything through the field in smooth fashion, he apparently had events under control approaching the last until running down the hurdle, drifting right across the track and leaving his rider without irons.

In gathering him together and keeping him going, this was a great effort from Leighton Aspell. Urbain De Sivola posted a promising first run of the season in second ahead of harshly weighted River Maigue, who needs the handicapper to relent somewhat.

Sire De Grugy had his day in the sun when grabbing the Tingle Creek. A slight fluff five out failed to stop him bearing down on his rivals at the Pond fence, after which he was soon in control.

This was probably him at his best at a track that suits. His record at Cheltenham ( where so far he has failed to shine) means, Sprinter Sacre or not, the Champion Chase may not be his race. Somersby ran on after a mistake five out to grab second from Captain Conan.

The last race – a class 2 handicap ambitiously called the London National – provided brutal viewing in one way or another. Won by There’s No Panic, it will go down as the last leg of a five-timer for the Paul Nicholls yard after two important wins at Aintree and three high-profile successes here.

Aintree Results

Dropped in trip to two miles, Splash Of Ginge made all, drawing clear down the straight in the maiden hurdle.

The opposition may not have been that strong (hurdling debutant Gabrial The Great finished very tired in second), but he was an emphatic winner.

The fairly exposed by now Gitane Du Berlais – behind Guitar Pete in Ireland – made the most of a soft opportunity to beat Mystery Drama in the Listed juvenile. Like the first winner, she made all without being seriously challenged. A clever piece of placing, her win pays credit to Royal Irish Hussar (who beat Guitar Pete with some ease at Cheltenham).

Course winner, Unioniste dished it out to more experienced rivals in the Listed chase. Only five, he made one slight error but in the end outstayed Wishfull Thinking.

Being honest, with The Giant Bolster unseating and Katenko, Our Mick and Wayward Prince all misfiring, it is tempting to wonder what the winner actually achieved. However, Unioniste obviously likes it here, stays and jumps pretty well and should be noted if back here fresh in April.
Friday December 6th:

Sandown Results

Lightly-raced on the Flat and easy winner of his only race over timber at Plumpton, Violet Dancer supplemented that success in the Class 3 novice hurdle.

He should not be dismissed in better company as despite a speedy pedigree, he seems to have taken to this game. His trainer – not normally one to claim his geese are swans – speaks highly of him.

Sweet Deal jumped well on his debut until a couple of novicey errors on the back. Always pushed along to get on terms, he finished a tired fourth.

Second to easy Newbury winner Valdez at Exeter, The Italian Yob defied top weight and a mark of 125 in the Class 3 novice handicap. Feature of his win was an accomplished round of jumping – he never put a foot wrong. This asset will stand him in good stead in this sphere.

There may be another day for Royal Guardsman who, although no star, would have finished closer but for a couple of errors (one at the second-last that was bad enough to put him on the floor. He did well to recover and finish fourth). This was only his second attempt over the big obstacles and three miles round a lesser track should suit.

The Grade 2 novice hurdle looked a match between recent Cheltenham winner Saint Roque and impressive Ascot scorer Beat That.

Both were run down by Killala Quay, who was beaten in a tough handicap at Cheltenham last time and took advantage of a last flight blunder by Beat That. He may have won in any case.

Beat That is a lovely looking big son of Milan but he remains weak. It could be we will have to wait until next season for him to show his best. Without the luxury of being able to dictate in this better company, he was not slick or athletic enough when it mattered. He led approaching the last but landed on all fours, dropping back to third but rallying on the run-in.

Saint Roque made the running until headed before the last and on this occasion could only plug on. He looks more of a three mile chaser.

Only three turned out for the Class 1 chase, won by the outsider of the pack, Vino Griego. Despite a mistake two out, he had the pace to dismiss long time leader Rolling Aces, who jumps well enough but lacks a turn of foot.

Any chance Harry Topper had was sacrificed by a sequence of jumping errors.