A smaller field than the handicap which preceded it, but equally difficult to call. CORLANDE likes heavy ground and came here off the back of an easy victory at Carlisle over two and a half miles last month. This was another step up in trip and it looked as though it was going to catch him out as he was joined at the last. However, he proved conclusively that he stays this trip and now a £100,000 bonus for winning any race at the Festival awaits. However, he appreciates this ground and connections didn't seem too hopeful of him going on to Cheltenham.

Just Beth is a model of consistency and will pop up before too long. She looked certain to win jumping the last, but got run out of it in the closing stages. She richly deserves to win a handicap hurdle like this.

Mouseski looked well worth another try at this trip on his return from a short break, and he'll benefit for it enormously, staying on, but far too late after losing his pitch.

Nine de Sivola has been rising in the weights but deservedly so. He was on a four-timer here, and travelled well for a long way before fading.

Jethro Tull, who was 10lb out of the handicap, seems to prefer Sedgefield, while course-and-distance winner Irishkawa Bellevue had finished well behind Nine de Sivola at Warwick last time and did so again.

Russian Sky hardly ever runs a bad race and goes well fresh, so this was disappointing despite his 54-day break.

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