A slightly better collection assembled for the second division of the maiden hurdle. NOUNOU had shown plenty of promise on his return from a lay-off at Aintree a fortnight earlier and confirmed it here, quickening smartly to lead at the last flight and scoring most decisively. The bare form is nothing special but Nounou is clearly going the right way and could well be good enough to defy a penalty in modest novice company. He will stay further, too.

Topwell did not have much room on the bend after two out and was outpaced at the last but stayed on to take second on the run-in without threatening the winner, running up to his best but shaping as though he is worth a try over further.

Pearson Glen ran respectably having every chance two out but was unable to match the pace of the winner from the last.

The modest Keepasharplookout kept on for fifth - he was less than four lengths off the runner-up's spot and his proximity puts the achievements of the placed horses into context.

Daniel's Dream took a good hold and did not get home, while Young Scotton remains disappointing as a hurdler.

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