Further rain before racing made the ground even more testing but they appeared to get through it well enough and an impressive debut effort was produced by STRAW BEAR who looked a nice sort in the making. He was never far away and, coming to race towards the stands' side, skipped into the lead two out and readily drew clear. He has to show a lot more to develop into a Supreme Novices Contender and Coral's quote of 14-1 looks the most realistic.

Nikola was never far away and stayed on well overthe last two hurdles to secure second spot. He looks sure to win his races and can soon go one better in a similar event.

Acambo was a warm favourite on the strength of his impressive victories at Taunton and then in a handicap at Windsor and raced close up towards the far rail throughout. He had every chance two out but the concession of 8lb to the winner proved beyond him on the testing ground. He could do better on decent ground and is probably better than this effort would suggest.

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