Expert Analysis

The staying hurdle division has not been strong for some time now, but this at least attracted plenty of runners, only the fourth time this century that double figures have been achieved. While the ground was on the soft side of good, the pace was less than exacting and it became something of a test of speed for the conditions, the winner’s final 4f of 57.47s equal to a 104.5% finishing speed. All the first 4 posted smart ratings.

CRAMBO (h155 here, 156 previously) repeated last year’s win in this race in similarly narrow and tenacious style, tracking the pace before responding to pressure to lead on the run-in, being closed on by the runner-up come the line. He is about 8 lb and a similar number of lengths behind Teahupoo at present but does not have many miles on the clock and could still progress.

HIDDENVALLEY LAKE (h155 here and previously) repeated his form from when third to Strong Leader at Aintree last season, finding this barely enough of a test as things unfolded, travelling comfortably in mid-field but tapped for toe and tending to wander for pressure before going on well at the death.

BEAUPORT (h154 here, ? previously) is an improved performer all round this season, reverting to hurdles and posting smart form again, albeit getting the run of things somewhat up front, jumping well there, increasing the pace before 4 out but run down on the flat. He deserves to be near the top of any Grand National shortlist given what he did over fences at this course the time before.

THE WALLPARK (h152 here, 151 previously) ran creditably but gave the impression there may still be more to come at this trip, held up in touch and not fluent at 1 or 2, flat to the boards before 2 out but staying on at the death.

KATEIRA (h145+ here and previously) ran creditably but failed to get home after travelling strongly held up and making stealthy headway into a challenging position. She is of interest down in trip and possibly back against her own sex.

BLUEKING D’OROUX (h152 here and previously) ran with credit but finds 3m plenty far enough and faded late on having raced prominently.

EAGLE FANG (h146 here and previously) went well for a long way and may not be an out-and-out stayer, not helping his jockey by edging right also.

BOTOX HAS (h132 here, 144 previously) never really threatened and was below form again.

SHOOT FIRST (h124 here, 143 previously) was beginning to drop away when blundering 2 out.

STRONG LEADER (h0 here, 159 previously) ran abysmally and was presumably not right, in touch until quickly beaten 4 out.