ASCOT 14:25

Non Runners: BUZZ (FR). Hurdles: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +77 yds

Time: 6m 9.6s Closing Sectional: (4.95f): 73.4s (100.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 101.8%

A representative field of some of the best staying hurdlers around for one of the premier races in the division, 2 previous winners of the Stayers', one of them a dual winner of this race, as well as a Stayers' runner-up and winners of the Liverpool Hurdle and Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle, but they were all outpointed by one having his first run over timber since his novice campaign in 2019, apparently running here only because of a perceived lack of opportunities to run left handed over fences, even though all 3 graded 3m chases so far this season, as well as several major handicaps, are run that way around, his win here presenting an interesting dilemma for connections; the pace was sound, though if anything the leaders pressed on a bit too soon.

CHAMP (IRE) treated for a back problem since his flop in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, was having his first run over hurdles since the 2019 Sefton Hurdle and showed himself potentially the best in the division, beating the others fair and square, that he finished the race as well as he did testament to his ability, given how keen he was, ridden for the first time by Jonjo O'Neill Jnr, who was gaining his first of surely numerous Grade 1 wins; in touch, pulled way into prominent position eighth, loomed up upsides entering straight, went on before 2 out, ridden soon after, joined last, kept on well, asserted late on; he clearly has the ability to win the best races in this division, though this seemed beforehand a brief diversion from a second Cheltenham Gold Cup campaign, a chance he turns up next in the Cleeve or the Cotswold, sure to be of interest either way.

THYME HILL wasted no time getting back to form after his French adventure, showing all his ability is still there but outgunned by effectively a new name in the division; waited with, took keen hold, effort 3 out, took closer order approaching 2 out, every chance last, kept on well, held only late on; he's among the best staying hurdlers around, and 2 years younger than the winner, though what he wins this winter may depend as much on plans for that rival as anything else.

PAISLEY PARK (IRE) in first-time tongue strap, the cheekpieces quickly left off, couldn't land a third win in this race, though he turned the tables on the first 2 at Newbury, passing the winner there only after the last on ground less testing than he'd had when landing this race for a second time in 2020, at least jumping off okay this time; in touch, outpaced 3 out, stayed on approaching last, took third run-in.

THOMAS DARBY (IRE) ran about as well as he had in winning at Newbury (and when third to Thyme Hill at Aintree), though his finishing effort was unfortunately much more in character, wilting late on against some stout stayers; patiently ridden, not settle fully, pushed along after 3 out, chased leader approaching last, carried head awkwardly, no extra run-in.

RONALD PUMP back at 3m, wasn't in the same form as last time, his efforts in front telling late on; led, shaken up home turn, headed before 2 out, weakened before last.

ON THE BLIND SIDE (IRE) wasn't in the same form as last time, paying in the latter stages for having taken on the leader; close up, led briefly third, weakened 3 out.

THIRD WIND was below form after 8 months off, not really up to this level; held up, not settle fully, shaken up before 3 out, not quicken, weakened straight.

LISNAGAR OSCAR (IRE) ran even worse than at Newbury and really isn't of any interest at the moment; prominent, lost place after eighth, slow ninth, pulled up next.