This looks like useful form, rather than better, though a number in the field may still be capable of better, Triumph runner-up Lulamba one of 2 significant withdrawals and the narrow margins between the principals limiting the view of the form. It was run at an initially good pace, with the runners quite well strung out, but the pace steadied mid-race and the field was quite well bunched again after 4 out, the winner’s final 4f of 54.67s (108.2% finishing speed) underlining that late speed counted for plenty on watered ground that was between “good to soft” and “good”.
HONESTY POLICY (h143+ here, 137 previously) did well as the race was run and looks to have a pretty bright future, held up mid to rear, shaken up going to 33 out and with a few lengths to make up when not fluent at the next, responding generously to lead near the finish. By Jukebox Jury and from a staying jumps family, he should be better still given more of a test at this trip/over further.
REGENT’S STROLL (h142 here, 140 previously) ran his best race yet, showing useful form, and looks the type to take to fences when the time comes. Kept away from others at the start, he led and jumped well, was challenged at various stages but dug in and was headed only near the finish. He is stoutly bred but has gone freely and bowling along at this trip saw him in a good light.
FUNICULI FUNICULA (h142 here, 140 previously) had not done himself justice at Cheltenham but was right back on form here, prominent briefly then held up in mid-field, not fluent 3 out but with every chance soon after (nosed ahead briefly) until no extra late on. This may be as far as he gets for now.
KOKTAIL DIVIN (h137 here, 135 previously) confirmed himself useful, close up most of the way, none too fluent 4 out but still in there fighting until no extra on the run-in. There is every chance he will make an even better chaser.
HORACES PEARL (h134 here, 137 previously) was shorter in the betting than strictly justified by his form, though seemingly open to improvement, a little lacklustre on the day without being discredited, making a few mistakes and left behind again after closing from the rear before 3 out.
CASTLE CARROCK (h132 here, 127 previously) faced a stiff task and acquitted himself quite well, keeping on without getting in a blow late on.
MIAMI MAGIC (h130+ here, 138 previously) was soon prominent after a slow start but was held in fifth when almost falling at the last, running pretty well in the circumstances.
GOOD AND CLEVER (h128 here, 133 previously) made a few mistakes and was always behind.
KAPPA JY PYKE (h110 here, 136 previously) found nothing at the business end and was eased, possibly not himself.
