CHELTENHAM 15:05

All 8 ran. Hurdles: 10. Race Distance Adjustment: +73 yds

Time: 5m 14.9s Closing Sectional: (7.3f): 110.2s (101.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 99.6%

A Grade 2 moved from the International meeting to replace a conditions event that used to be on this card, and the course was rewarded with a strong line-up, the 3m Grade 1 winners from both Cheltenham and Aintree last spring taking part, as well as a 2m Grade 1 runner-up last time out; in the event, none of that trio showed their form, though the race still drew a high-class performance from the impressive winner, who was promoted to prominence in the World Hurdle market, the main question more whether he will have the stamina required, rather than the ability.

CAMPING GROUND (FR) back over hurdles, a planned assault on the King George having been abandoned after his unseat at Huntingdon, looked potentially top class in routing his field, albeit with all the market principals a long way off their game; prominent, tanked along, led seventh, drew clear 2 out, impressive; he's being aimed now at the World Hurdle, with the Cleeve likely to be next, though he's not a certain stayer at 3m, particularly under very testing conditions, and an entry in the Champion (and the Aintree Hurdle) might not go amiss.

LIL ROCKERFELLER (USA) came into the race in better form than some of the principals in the market and took advantage of their being below par to take second, also benefiting from the return to further than 2m; handy, travelled better than usual, effort 2 out, kept on well run-in, no match for winner; will be worth a try at 3m.

COLE HARDEN (IRE) couldn't even match his effort at Newbury, albeit over a trip short of his optimum, on ground that may well be softer than ideal for him these days, his very best form on good/good to firm; led until seventh, chased leader after, ridden before 2 out, one paced.

AURORE D'ESTRUVAL (FR) needed run on first outing since leaving John Quinn after 12 months off, shaping as if she might finish second at worst before lack of an outing told; held up, jumped well in main, took keen hold, not fluent seventh, smooth headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, no extra straight; she had looked a serious contender for the David Nicholson at the Festival before her season was curtailed last winter and there's no reason to think she won't be this time round, given a clear run.

TOP NOTCH (FR) upped in trip, stood out on form this season, but wasn't at his best, lack of stamina possibly part of it, but not the whole explanation; prominent, mistake fifth, not fluent 3 out, second 2 out, no extra straight.

BOBS WORTH (IRE) was well held, losing his unbeaten record over hurdles, as in the Hennessy doing little to suggest he's of much interest at present; raced wide, handy, pushed along circuit out, left behind after 3 out.

VIRGILIO (FR) ran no sort of race up in grade, perhaps significant that all 3 of the stable's runners on the card ran stinkers; raced wide, held up, labouring sixth, pulled up 3 out; had looked very much on the upgrade prior to this and well worth another chance.

WHISPER (FR) once again looked a horse with a significant problem, again carrying his tail awkwardly; held up, mistake fifth, ridden after, weakened before 2 out, pulled up straight; couldn't be backed with confidence at present.