Expert Analysis

A disappointingly small field (even more so than usual), but it served up a cracking finish between two smart novice chasers, up there with the best that Britain has to offer outside the division leader Sir Gino.

Despite ground that was objectively soft on the chase course and heavy on the hurdles, this ended up something of a test of speed, with a steady pace for a long way, and the runner-up comes out fractionally ahead of the winner on sectionals. The winner’s final 4f of 58.76s was easily the fastest by a winner on the entire card and represents a 109.7% finishing speed.

HANDSTANDS (c153 here, 146 previously) has a most professional way of going about things, which should stand him in good stead for even bigger tasks ahead, well-ridden in disputing the lead then dictating a largely steady pace, jumping soundly, before shaken up before 3 out, joined at the next but battling gamely and just prevailing. He has already shown himself to be effective from 19f to 24f in this sphere.

JANGO BAIE (c153 here, 149+5 previously) remains with a good chance of at least placing in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, even after events elsewhere in recent days, showing smart form again but just losing out in a race which did not test his stamina.

He took a bit of a hold disputing the lead then close up until slightly tapped for toe as things finally heated up 3 out, back disputing it at the next but just unable to get by until a stride or two after the line. His stamina for 3m is not guaranteed, but he looks like being suited by the trip under normal conditions.

MARK OF GOLD (c135 here, 139 previously) was put in his place by two smart rivals but ran respectably, a bit novicey at a few and having to be rousted 6 out to keep in touch then dropped after the third-last. There could be better to come still.

KALIF DU BERLAIS (c133 here, 148 previously) seemed not to stay on ground like this, despite a steady pace for most of the way, in touch and with every chance until dropping away after 3 out.