The time for this was almost identical to that taken by the juveniles in the opener. It attracted a smaller field than last year, but the quality was broadly similar but for the fact that in REFINEMENT it included a runner with the potential to be much better than her handicap mark. All six runners were covered by just three or four lengths two out, where long-time clear leader Sword Lady had already been headed.

Refinement looked well treated on her smart bumper form and went into the race unbeaten in two hurdle races. However, she had not impressed in either, and she was rather workmanlike again here in the end, needing driving out on the run-in after jumping left at the last, having travelled well enough and moved smoothly to the front. Jonjo O'Neill felt she jumped better this time, but he more or less ruled out Cheltenham and intends keeping her to mares only races for now.

The latter, a fair Flat winner, ran well on what was just her third appearance over hurdles, and having been held up in last she might well have been second but for flattening the second last. She'll appreciate better ground than this.

Sardagna, fourth here last year, ran respectably again, while Sword Lady kept on again after being headed well before the second last, confirming in the process that she needs further.

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