Jockeys reported that rain had got into the ground, but the bend after the winning post was moved in on the Mildmay course, making that track shorter, and moved out to lengthen the hurdles course, so race times cannot be compared with the first two days of the meeting. This looked a typically competitive running of a two-mile handicap which has been a springboard to the top for high-class hurdlers such as Flakey Dove and Intersky Falcon - who both won off marks in the 120s - and no winner has carried more than 10st 8lb since 1996.

There was a strong gallop and for once at this year's meeting the race was run to suit horses coming from off the pace, but the way WELLBEING won suggested he could be another who is really going places. He was always travelling strongly, moved through comfortably to lead two out and scored with an authority rarely seen in a valuable handicap. His days as a high-class Flat racer are some way in the past but he retains plenty of ability and would command interest at Punchestown or in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock - the latter is another flat track which should suit him. He is still lightly raced as a hurdler and though nine years old he should have plenty more improvement in him - he got a 50-1 quote for the Champion Hurdle from William Hill and there would be many worse outsiders at this stage, though reportedly he is to go chasing.

The winner's stablemate Noble Request also emerges with plenty of credit, moving into second two out and coming clear of the rest. Such a fine effort when trying to give Wellbeing 17lb was at least as good as his second in the County Hurdle and he is another to note in a big spring handicap hurdle.

Monte Cinto has gradually found his form after a layoff and ran up to his best in fourth, keeping on at one pace, ahead of Beautiful Vision, who raced quite keenly and did best of those up with the pace from the off, so he is probablybetter than the bare form. This was a fine effort from a lightly raced novice and he is well worth bearing in mind for a decent handicap.

Dusky Warbler kept on at one pace under pressure for a creditable effort but again looked less than an easy ride. Bound goes well fresh and could not quite confirm the promise of his recent Newbury reappearance, though he would have been closer except for a mistake at the final flight. Saif Sareea ran well for a long way but found less than might have been expected in the latter stages. Lord Henry went keenly in the lead and paid for it - he may be worth another chance. The ground was not as soft as when Tarlac had run a promising fifth in the Imperial Cup, while Neveesou was another lightly raced novice to be found out in this company. Nippy Des Mottes could not bounce back from his Musselburgh flop and was disappointing. [DC]

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