A fair novice event for stayers and a very cosy win for DE BLANC. Despite hailing from an in-form yard and being 15lb clear on adjusted Racing Post Ratings, she was weak in the market beforehand, perhaps on account of the longer trip. However, she had shown plenty of stamina when winning over 2m6f at Towcester last time, and was always in control. She won with more in hand than the winning margin suggests and her main target next month is apparently the Mares' Final at Uttoxeter on the February 18.

Mioche D'Estruval was down the field in a valuable handicap hurdle at Sandown last time and had less to do on this return to chasing. Supported in the market, he did not run badly, given that in a handicap he would have been 7lb better off with the winner.

Five Alley had a lot to do in this grade and will be more effective back in modest handicap company, while fellow son of Roselier, Bohemian Boy, could perhaps do with a pair of blinkers being fitted to help him concentrate.

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