Expert Analysis

I am sure the connections of the winner will have been delighted to see that he does not require very soft ground to compete to a decent level. It must also be noted that, although No Drama This End won by a comfortable length and a quarter, he did so whilst finishing ahead of a 129-rated runner-up with a 124-rated horse back in third. A strict translation of this form would still leave him with a lot to find to be competitive in an average renewal of a Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

NO DRAMA THIS END The going was just on the good to firm side of good according to Proform Racing. The form book will tell us that he has won a grade one race with something to spare in these conditions. I would suggest, however, that his form on softer ground still stands clear of anything he achieved here on this quicker surface. He made all the running and did more than enough to hold off the sustained challenges of the chasing pack.

KLIMT MADRIK For the second time in a row he has performed very well over this course and distance. He has also proved himself to be versatile enough to compete well on soft ground as well as on this much quicker surface in the Challow Hurdle. He was held up in last position and was the final horse to make his challenge on the all the way winner. He could never quite get to the winner but did manage to snatch second spot right on the winning line.

TIPTOPTIM He has now competed on a sound surface in all three of his runs over hurdles. He also won his bumper on ground officially described as being good. He acquitted himself well here on this significant step up in grade. Although he never looked likely to peg back the winner he only just got caught for the runner up spot close to the line.

KALKBRENNER He was the first horse beaten having dropped right away from the second last hurdle. His last time out form on a softer surface over this same course and distance, however, was still franked by the winner of that race finishing in the runner up spot here. Connections stated post-race that he was not suited to this quicker ground; consequently, I wonder if he could be a little forgotten about in a decent race next time, providing he is able to compete in his preferred conditions.