No strength in depth to this juvenile event, which saw a rather disappointing turnout for the prize-money on offer, but the race was run at a decent pace and the form still looks sound nevertheless.

It provided a perfect opportunity for AFSOUN to enhance his credentials as a leading candidate for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, and he duly did so in good style, being value for further than his already wide winning margin.

Given a positive ride, he would have found this track plenty sharp enough for his liking, but the added experience will be to his advantage come March, and more importantly he has now fully proved his ability to handle most types of ground. He is evidently a tough customer, and should go very close in the Triumph, so it wasno surprise that he was immediately trimmed to 6-1 for that event with the majority of bookmakers following this display.

Kalmini, who fell early on at Sandown just five days previously, took time to warm to her task yet did so in tenacious fashion and stayed on to finish a clear second-best. This was a decent effort under her penalties considering her experience at Sandown and, while she has a deal to find with the top juveniles, this tough filly deserves to take her chance at Cheltenham. However, the Fred Winter Handicap would appear a more realistic target than the Triumph.

Ellerslie Tom eventually paid for his exertions at the head of affairs and was not given too hard a time when his chance evaporated. He can find easier opportunities in which to get off the mark.

Kryena, while never a threat to the first four, would have found this ground too fast for her liking and becomes eligible for a handicap mark now.

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