This is traditionally a strong handicap, but it has seldom been run on ground like this. Although Nonantais ensured there was no hanging about , there has to be a doubt about the value of the form this time, with the places filled by three outsiders, one of whom was 9lb ‘wrong'.

The progressive novice UNGARO had solid credentials going into the race, and his gutsy success, repelling all challengers after going to the front just after the third last, paid a compliment to Denman, who had beaten him more than 20 lengths at Cheltenham on his previous start. Connections, who feared he had a bit too much weight here, see his future over fences next season.

Sh Boom's form has been in decline for a long while now, although he had not been disgraced at Lingfield on his most recent start. He came from well back to snatch second near the finish.

Material World had not run since finishing second at Plumpton in October 2004 (her only run that season) but was prominent throughout the final circuit and would have been even closer but for her mistake at the last. This was an especially good effort considering how far out of the handicap she was.

Danaw, a winner of two Grade 3 hurdles on much softer ground in France, is another who would have been closer but for a late mistake - in his case at the second last, when pressing the winner. He had moved smoothly into contention at the end of the back straight and did well under top weight.

Fenix, effective here at 2m and trying his longest trip to date, surprisingly got a bit outpaced before keeping on over the last two hurdles. He remains frustrating.

The remainder were headed by Special Rate, who was under the whip near the back of the field down the far side but was staying on well at the finish and showed signs of returning to form, and novice Magnifico, who was thrown in at the deep end here and had a very stiff task off 135 but wasn't disgraced.

The lightly raced Waltzing Beau ran a nice race in ninth on his return from 11 weeks off the track, making headway around the home bend and not being knocked about when he started to tire. He should come on for this.

Stormez was soon struggling, as usual, but Hasty Prince looks a doubtful stayer.

Be Be King had been highly progressive in novices, but the ground was a worry, and so was going right-handed, as he was inclined to jump left when winning in Graded company at Warwick. Although he lost his place going down the far side and was well behind when pulled up before the second last, he should not be judged too harshly.

Lord Sam, back over hurdles for a confidence-booster, also struggled down the back and was pulled up.

*Paul Nicholls reported that Be Be King was unsuited by the ground. (GD)

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