Although listed as a 0-115 contest, the top weight ran off just 102, so it was not nearly as classy as it might have been. As is generally the case here, very few were in contention from a long way out, but NEW PERK had been up there for some time and he delivered his customary ultra-game performance. In winning his fourth consecutive race at Fakenham, he responded to plenty of pressure and just repelled the late thrust of Honey's Gift. Versatility is his strong point and he will return for a handicap chase next month.

Stamina reserves have sometimes run dry for Honey's Gift, but she needed a couple more yards on this occasion, as she was fighting all the way to the line and almost sneaked past New Perk thanks to a tenacious rally. That said, whether she will prove herself an effective three-miler at a more demanding course is open to doubt.

Courant d'Air might have been third - but definitely no better - except for exiting at the second-last.

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