CHELTENHAM 15:20

Non Runners: QUEVEGA (FR), MALA BEACH (IRE). Hurdles: 12.

Time: 5m 49.5s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 52.2s (104.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 100.3%

A changing of the guard in the staying hurdle division, with the multiple winner Big Buck's heading into retirement and the 2 youngest runners in the field fighting out the finish; they showed a level of form up to an average running of the race and probably deserve extra credit, having been patiently ridden in a race that wasn't that well run; kept over hurdles, they have the ability to dominate in the division, though it's possible one or both will go over fences next season.

MORE OF THAT (IRE) upped in trip, has made astonishing progress in just 5 starts and has the potential to dominate this division should connections choose to keep him over hurdles, with further improvement on the cards; waited with, travelled strongly, good progress 2 out, challenged before last, led soon after, kept on well, showed good attitude; he was in theory his owner's second string, though it was a surprise that McCoy picked At Fishers Cross, Barry Geraghty proving a more than able deputy for the second time in a championship race at the meeting; unlike the runner-up, 3m is likely to be his optimum trip, and as such the Liverpool Hurdle and World Series Hurdle at Punchestown look the obvious spring targets.

ANNIE POWER (IRE) upped markedly in trip, running in this race in preference to the Champion Hurdle, lost her unbeaten record but emerged with her reputation enhanced, clearly set to win plenty more races, whether kept to hurdling or sent over fences next season; held up, not settle fully, switched right 2 out, produced to lead before last, headed soon after, kept on; she clearly stays 3m, though a drop back for the Aintree Hurdle would be no inconvenience at all, and a clash there with The New One, to name but one, would be fascinating.

AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE) proved better than ever, in cheekpieces again, and looked like the horse that had won the Spa last season for the first time this campaign; in touch, jumped better than of late, travelled well, led after 2 out, headed before last, untidy there, one paced; seems more likely to stay over hurdles than the first 2 and likely to give a good account in this race again.

ZARKANDAR (IRE) ran creditably, attempting 3m for the first time, likely to do better another time ridden a bit more positively, every chance of being a player in this division in future; held up, effort after 2 out, kept on, no danger.

BIG BUCK'S (FR) was unable to build on his reappearance, failing to take the eye beforehand and evidently just not the force of old after his serious injury; handy, ridden 2 out, weakened before last; he was an outstanding staying hurdler whose 4 wins in this race and his long unbeaten sequence will ensure his place among the greats of the sport.

RULE THE WORLD faced the sternest test of his career and ran creditably, simply just not good enough; handy, every chance before last, faded run-in; likely to find further success in Ireland, if kept to hurdling.

MEDINAS (FR) the winner of the Coral Cup but hardly a World Hurdle winner in waiting on the evidence of 2 runs in Grade 2 events in the autumn, returned from 3 months off and ran about as well as could have been expected; mid-field, effort before 2 out, made no impression; may not be that easy to place from now on.

REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) wasn't disgraced but the late change in the weather had scuppered whatever chance he had, the drying ground not likely to show him to anything like maximum advantage; led, not fluent seventh, eighth, headed after 2 out, no extra before last.

SALUBRIOUS (IRE) possibly needs softer ground to be seen to best advantage and was below form after 3 months off; held up, took keen hold, never on terms.

CELESTIAL HALO (IRE) has been a grand servant over the years, with an honourable record at this meeting in particular, a Triumph winner and second in both this race and the Champion Hurdle, but he wasn't at his best on this occasion; chased leader, weakened 2 out.