CHELTENHAM 15:30

Non Runners: MY TENT OR YOURS (IRE), VERDANA BLUE (IRE). Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 5.1s Closing Sectional: (4f): 61.1s (97.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 100.6%

Hardly a vintage Champion Hurdle but an exciting race, truly run, and it drew performances from the first 2 that place them at the head of the 2m hurdle rankings this season, only Irish Champion Hurdle winner Supasundae, the most notable absentee, having rival claims to that position, the 3-time runner-up My Tent Or Yours withdrawn on the day another who would have added depth.

BUVEUR D'AIR (FR) back to defend his crown after landing all 4 races in the meantime, maintained his winning sequence in rather grittier fashion than has become the norm, having to knuckle down to hold on after the last, perhaps the softer ground at this level not in his favour, the lack of a serious race in the build-up perhaps a factor as well, a good chance that he will step forward at Aintree; handy, travelled strongly, led 2 out, shaken up straight, edged ahead final 50 yds.

MELON finally showed the sort of form his reputation suggested he could, well supported this time, the hood left off, the good pace (lacking in the International) almost certainly in his favour, some scrimmaging with Faugheen after 3 out not making any real difference; in touch, travelled strongly, closing when hampered soon after 3 out, upsides next, ridden approaching last, kept on, held final 50 yds; he'll presumably get the chance to go one better at Punchestown.

MICK JAZZ (FR) proved better than ever, running a similar race to last time, just not able to land a blow at the first 2; held up, travelled well, headway before 2 out, ridden straight, not quicken last.

IDENTITY THIEF (IRE) took another step forward, running his best race since spring 2016, clearly still capable of smart form; chased leaders, not always fluent, lost place after third, kept on straight.

ELGIN was supplemented for this after his win at Wincanton, but more was needed at this level and he wasn't able to raise his game to the degree required; waited with, travelled well, headway when shaken up 2 out, not quicken straight, never landed a blow; he reportedly could switch to the Flat, his level of ability suggesting he'd be a serious player in good handicaps once qualified.

FAUGHEEN (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, was possibly unsettled by the pacemaker and not helped by the headgear, the old spark just not there, though it should be pointed out that he'd finished in front of the trio behind the winner at Leopardstown last time; led first, pressed leader until fourth, not fluent next, led soon after 3 out, wandered, headed 2 out, left behind soon after.

WICKLOW BRAVE returned to hurdling in this after a run in the Melbourne Cup for the second season running, but he didn't fare so well as he had in 2017, after 4 months off, away on terms this time, but his finishing effort again lacking.

CH'TIBELLO (FR) had run creditably in several trial races this season, but without showing nearly enough to suggest he was up to the task, though he reportedly finished sore; held up, never on terms.

JOHN CONSTABLE (IRE) wasn't likely to be good enough, the ground in a more competitive race a side issue; held up, left behind before 2 out.

CHARLI PARCS (FR) served his turn as pacemaker, disrupting Faugheen, his job done by 3 out; took keen hold, led after first, clear after fourth, headed soon after 3 out, weakened quickly, pulled up before last.

YORKHILL (IRE) had won at each of the last 2 Festivals, but he hasn't looked himself this season and, back over hurdles for the first time since 2016, he never looked likely to get involved, pulled up before the last.