Two smart novice hurdlers in the shape of Gardasee and LIVINGONAKNIFEDGE and a titanic tussle up the Towcester hill that saw the latter get up right on the line under Richard Johnson. This looked a two-horse race on paper and so it proved, with the pair soon drawing clear of their rivals. After several sketchy jumps Gardasee nearly came to grief completely, rapping the top bar of the fourth-last hurdle and only heroics from Tony Dobbin in the saddle kept the partnership intact. That caused a crucial loss of momentum and although he was driven back up to lead again before the third-last, it can be in no doubt that it was a mistake that probably cost him the race.

The distance of seven lengths back to the third is probably flattering to Felix Rex, with the early pace brisk and the front two embroiled in a battle from some way out. They both finished tired and are clearly a good deal better than their rivals.

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