A really competitive handicap hurdle, with plenty demonstrably in good heart, they went a decent pace and though there was some trouble in running, it is probably worth taking a positive view of the form.

STRANGELY BROWN had shown himself a likelywinner in this grade when runner-up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and he did well to defy a 5lb higher mark here, as he was one of the sufferers in an incident on the bend after the fifth flight which caused him to lose his place. He was given time to find his feet before coming through to lead before two out for a ready victory. He had been a smart juvenile hurdler last season, has progressed further and the way he won this suggests he ought to have enough left to give another good account at Punchestown.

Saltango allayed fears that he would be found wanting for speed in these conditions, as he was always up with the pace on the inside. That said, the way he kept on for second suggested he will do even better returned to a stiffer test of stamina and he is another to keep on the right side next time.

Penny Pictures confirmed his trainer's belief that he was about to "click" with a fine effort, travelling better than he sometimes does - he may well have been helped by Timmy Murphy's returnto his back.

The keen-going Zipalong Lad benefited from dropping back in trip and was another to show he does not need the mud to be fully effective. But he only just held on for fourth from Back To Ben Alder, who ran a remarkable race, losinghis early prominent pitch and still nearer last than first two out but keeping on well in the closing stages. He has never quite lived up to the promise he showed early in his career but this effort from 6lb out of the handicap suggested strongly that heretains a fair amount of ability and he is worth noting. He had run well here last year and may be suited by a flat track.

Of the rest, Texas Holdem could not bridge the step up in class, but Chelsea Harbour lost all chance with a bad mistake four out. Motorway seemed not to stay and will be seen to advantage returned to two miles, but Phar Bleu could not confirm the promise of his recent Cheltenham fourth on this second effort back after a wind operation. Temoin was facing much stiffer company than when winning his first three races over hurdles and he could not get back into contention after losing his place in the incident after the fifth. He lacked the hurdling experience of his battle-hardened rivals and is worth another chance. [DC]

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