Hard to know what to make of this first division of the maiden hurdle, with the easy winner ANEMIX being only a modest sort on the Flat in France, but there was no fluke about the way in which he beat the fancied runners, quickening clear in the final quarter-mile having cantered into the lead turning in. He has no fancy entries and connections are planning on keeping it low-key, so he should be up to defying a penalty in a novice event at a sensible level.

Mars Rock, who won on his second bumper start at Plumpton back in October, was unable to cope with the rise into Listed company when down the field at Cheltenham in November, but the switch to hurdles brought about an improved effort and he kept on well enough for second. Readily outpaced by the winner, he does give the impression he is in the need of two and a half miles and better can be expected at that trip.

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