The jockeys reported the ground on the chase course to be good, as per the official description. Although stripped of much of its interest by the defection of Racing Demon, this was still a fair novice chase. Favourite TARANIS came under pressurein third approaching the home straight, but he stuck to his task and eventually won quite decisively. While this performance was nothing to get excited about, this sharp track did not really suit a horse who ought to get three miles in time and he is capable of better.

Dickensbury Lad jumped soundly on this chasing debut and his new yard will be very pleased with his first run since May 2004. A race should come his way provided his sights are not set too high.

Team Tassel seemed to appreciate being allowed to lead and showed much more aptitude for chasing than he had on his debut. He actually jumped pretty well prior to coming down at the last ditch, but it is unlikely that he would have held on. Still, this was a more encouraging run after some lacklustre efforts.

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