The second running of this race as a Grade 1, and a strong field that featured five of the first six in last month's Triumph Hurdle, plus the clear-cut winner of Cheltenham's Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap and an unknown quantity who arrived here unbeaten in three minor hurdle races and a Flat race. Despite the presence of at least two confirmed front runners in Fair Along and Shamayoun, it wasn't run at the furious pace that many anticipated The last horse to complete the Triumph Hurdle/Aintree Hurdle was Pollardstown 27 years ago, and while the 4lb penalty that used to apply may well have cost a few of those that have tried, it wouldn't have stopped DETROIT CITY here. His wins on all of the three AW courses operating last year suggested he would not mind this sharp track, despite his much improved form at Cheltenham, and he was always in the right place. Driven to the front as they straightened for home, he went two clear jumping the last and was soon in complete charge. Once in front, he was always going to gallop strongly to the line, and he was value for a couple of lengths further. Richard Johnson said afterwards that he felt he could have gone around for another circuit at the same gallop, prompting speculation that connections might be inclined to step him up in distance next season, rather than take the Champion Hurdle route, especially as he is not exactly a ‘speed' horse, and history suggests he would struggle in the Champion as a five-year-old.

Premier Dane had disappointed on his latest start at Musselburgh, but he was just about as good as Detroit City on the Flat in Ireland, and over shorter distances, so he merited plenty of respect round here. Though off the bridle at the end of the back straight, he was one of six who had broken clear on the home turn but was widest into the straight. He soon found the winner pressing clear, but he did the best of the rest and for the first time ran to the sort of level his Flat form suggested he might. He should prove even better on quicker ground.

This represented a huge step up in class for the unbeaten Opera de Coeur, but he held his own until gradually left behind over the last three hurdles. This was a sound effort. The Triumph sixth Turko doesn't have the speed for this track and was soon struggling in rear. He got reminders after the third and was still a moderate eighth into the home straight, but he stayed on and is now crying out for a stiffer test.

Pseudonym faced an impossible task, so his sixth place represents much improved form. He had been off only 100 when winning well in a modest juvenile handicap at Newbury and is on the upgrade. The Triumph fifth Pace Shot lost all chance with a blunder at the middle flight on the far side that Jamie Moore did well to survive. However, he was already starting to struggle back in seventh place, and looked unlikely to repeat the Cheltenham form. The winner's stable-mate Fair Along looked to have a realistic chance of reversing Triumph placings here on a track around which he excelled earlier in the season, but he was ridden a bit more conservatively this time and was beaten surprisingly quickly straightening for home. The Fred Winter winner Shamayoun went with him up front but was also on the retreat from three out. He possibly needs his own way.[GD]

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