Plenty of runners for this traditionally very competitive long distance handicap but in truth there weren't many to really get into the thick of the action and BADDAM ran out a convincing winner as he rediscovered winning form with a vengeance. He had dropped 5lb since the start of the season but that hardly gave him the right to win this event in such style and it is probably more that he returned to the positive profile of form he had as three-year-old. He was held up off the pace early but was always travelling well and when unleashed well over 2f out, soon pulled clear of his rivals. He is clearly suited by a marathon trip on this sort of ground and his finishing burst should continue to stand him in good stead.

Top The Charts represented the stable successful with Leg Spinner 12 months earlier and had come here with a recent win over hurdles under his belt and, despite being keen, came through to chase the winner in the final 3f. He was no danger to the winner but looks capable of winninga decent staying handicap this season.

Shamayoun, a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, was also behind in the early stages and followed the winner through but rather spoilt his chance when drifting left in the closing stages. He is lightly raced on the Flat and he certainly has the ability to add to this success.

Full House was another behind early stages but, as would befit a staying chaser, plugged on gamely in the closing stages. He, too, can make his presence felt at a slightly lower level.Elusive Dreamwas never too far away and took up the running half a mile from home but weakened in the final 2f and gave the impression the trip was just a shade too far. Escayola was never really in the hunt and stayed on in the closing stages without proving a threat and Double Obssession was another who stayed on without getting into the thick of action. Michabo had made much of the running until weakening in the final half mile and Chester Cup winner Admiral finished lame after chasing that rival for a long way. Distant Prospect and Prins Willem were both towards the rear in the early stages and were both hampered over 2f out and could have done better with more luck in running but this obviously wasn't the classiest of events. [TE]

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