It was very testing following nearly two inches of rain in the last fortnight, and they went very steadily. The time was predictably slow. There was no strength in depth, but the right two horses dominated the finish, coming towards the stands' side in the straight. MANNERS has had his problems and, now eight, looks unlikely to fulfil the considerable promise he showed in bumpers if this is as good as he is. Having been held up, he moved up to challenge two out and was soon on top, but he wasn't getting any further away from the exposed Idris on the run-in and didn't appear to have much in hand. Jonjo O'Neill said the winner is unlikely to take up either of his Cheltenham engagements, as he is simply not good enough. Tony McCoy did not offer the ground as an excuse.

Idris ran well under his penalty again, but while he is a solid enough yardstick, an official mark of 118 puts the form in perspective.

The first three were clear of Royal Hilarity, who was prominent throughout but was left behind after mistakes at the last two flights. This was his best run, and he now has the handicap option.

Krismas Cracker had a tongue tie on, but he was in trouble at the end of the back straight.

Arctic Spirit had been off the track more than a year and is better over fences than hurdles. He started to struggle towards the end of the back straight.

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