Conditions had dried out considerably since the first day, the times much quicker than had been the case 24 hours earlier and commensurate with predominantly “good” going but with some ease in it. This race had no Constitution Hill in it, but still delivered a couple of smart novice hurdling performances as the first two drew clear at the end of a well-run contest (101.5% finishing speed).
JONBON (h155 here, 148+ previously) paid a compliment to Constitution Hill, who had walloped him at Cheltenham, though the form he showed here (in a race in which he expended his energy more efficiently) was almost certainly better. Sweating beforehand, he had every chance to shirk things late on but did not, tracking the sound pace until quickening to lead 2 out, soon joined and marginally headed before digging deep for pressure. There’s every reason to think he will make at least as good a chaser as he already has a novice hurdler.
EL FABIOLO (h155 here, 141+ previously) ran a belter on just his third start over hurdles (and second for Willie Mullins), an even better prospect for chasing than the winner if anything, and possibly a shade unlucky not to win here, hampered 3 out but making up the lost ground well, despite a mistake at the last, to edge ahead briefly on the run-in. He should stay 20f and has plenty of physical scope.
VINA ARDANZA (h128 here, 138 previously) ran just respectably, not the class of the first two anyway, set plenty to do and improving when slightly hampered 3 out, mistakes at the last 2 and petering out a bit late on.
AUCUNRISQUE (h124 here, 134 previously) shaped better than the result but did have much more on his plate than previously here, close up, leading briefly 3 out and not knocked about as he weakened out of contention.
FIRST STREET (h123 here, 148 previously) had solid handicap form but looked to have an off day, less than fluent and labouring (but still in touch) after halfway.
SUPRISE PACKAGE (h110 here, 148 previously) ran no sort of race, jumping poorly and only briefly looking as if he might improve from the rear, his recent exertions possibly catching up with him.
A DIFFERENT KIND (h106 here, 137 previously) was below form but did show up reasonably well until 3 out and is best excused this.
SALAMANCA BAY (h? here, 134 previously) set a good pace and was still marginally in front when blundering and unseating 3 out, just asked for more at the time. It is difficult to tell where he would have finished but his previous form suggests he might just have managed third.
EYED (h0 here and previously)
