Although this carries only Listed status, it has occasionally had some relevance as a Champion Hurdle trial. That is highly unlikely to be the case this time, however, with only three Champion entries in the line-up, a time around two seconds slower thanthat taken by Detroit City in the opening juvenile, and a result that is hard to make any sense of, with the 117-rated Alph so close in second and rank outsider Milligan also too close for comfort.

While it was clear from his German form that FiepesShuffle was a very able horse, his chance was difficult to assess in this company, as he had good form at sprint distances to his name on the Flat yet his most recent successes had both been over fences. However, having pulled his way to the front in arace in which nothing wanted the lead he had them all in trouble when hitting two out, and he was still three or four lengths clear and seemingly holding on to his advantage when he fell at the last. He will reportedly run in the Champion, but his stamina will be tested to the full there and he will make no appeal at all.

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE is hard to fancy for the Champion. Although a winner only once since his novice days, he had plenty going for him in this company with the ground drying out, but wasn't going too well rounding the home turn and looked held when left luckily in the lead at the last. Connections reported afterwards that it was still on the tacky side for him, and nominated Wincanton's Kingwell Hurdle, where the flat track will suit, as the ideal race for him. The Order Of Merit remains the priority, and this was simply too good an opportunity to let pass.

The late-developing giant Alph came under pressure straightening for home but responded well and ran a blinder. He has been improving fast this season, but his recent Plumpton handicap win was off a mark of only 103, which helps put this in perspective. Raised 14lb since then, he is now in for another hefty hike up the handicap, which is a shame, as he had a decent handicap in him off 117. He is going to struggle now, although he still has the novice option.

Dalaram, who has had a wind operation, preferred this goodish ground but didn't really advertise his Gold Trophy claims.

Rasharrow, beaten only in the Festival Bumper and successful intwo novices this season, was stepping up in class and could have done with a stronger pace. He made a mistake and then stumbled when in rear at the second flight, but was then driven into second place approaching the second last before getting run out ofthe places again. He is better than this.

Self Defense normally runs this course well and beat Rooster Booster here a year ago, having been second the year before. However, he was in trouble before the last on the far side and ran a long way belowform.

No-hoper Milligan was tailing off down the far side and was a long way adrift straightening for home yet was ultimately beaten less than 20 lengths, which further underlines the weakness of the form. (GD)

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