CHELTENHAM 13:45

All 9 ran. Fences: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +44 yds

Time: 3m 58.4s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 54.7s (101.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 100.7%

A good-quality handicap, though not a particularly strong one on the day, and while the first 2, both progressive, can be viewed positively, most of the others weren't at their best, the winner, with a good 5-lb claimer taking over, getting a rather more measured ride than had been the case at Ascot; the race was soundly run, but, as so often here, a handy position looked an advantage.

EDITEUR DU GITE (FR) had shaped as if retaining all his ability at Ascot and, under a good claimer and a more measured ride, proved better than ever; led, went with zest, clear after fourth, shaken up straight, kept on well, wandered run-in, all out to hold on; he's still on the up and although this wasn't a deep race, he'll continue to give a good account.

STOLEN SILVER (FR) was in a tougher race than on his return and progressed again, pulling well clear of the rest and cementing his good start for this yard; chased leaders, travelled well, shaken up 2 out, not fluent last, kept on well, just failed; he's only 6, on the up and likely to continue to give a good account.

BUN DORAN (IRE) looked in good shape and shaped as if retaining ability after 6 months off, given a breathing operation since last season, how much he will come on for the run debatable; held up, mistake seventh, headway before 3 out, shaken up entering straight, not quicken.

BATHIVA (FR) was below form, on softer ground than last time and not really getting up the hill; held up, smooth headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, found little.

MAGIC SAINT (FR) off the same mark that he won this race off in 2020/21, didn't come on so much for his run at Wetherby as anticipated, threatening only briefly; waited with, effort 3 out, chased leaders straight, not quicken and mistake last, faded late on.

HATCHER (IRE) was back at a realisitic level returned to fences but not at his best after less than a week off, not much of a threat when an error at the second last ended his progress; dropped out, not settle fully, headway after 3 out, effort when mistake 2 out, no extra.

KAP AUTEUIL (FR) was well held, his winning run ended with a lacklustre effort up in grade; mid-field, mistake fourth, pushed along eighth, behind when mistake 3 out, tailed off.

FANZIO (FR) might have needed the run after 6 months off, though not being up to the grade seems as likely an explanation; chased leaders, ridden when mistake 3 out, weakened quickly.

MOON OVER GERMANY (IRE) showed nothing on his first outing since leaving Henry De Bromhead after 6 months off, given a breathing operation in the meantime; held up, shaken up sixth, mistake ninth, labouring after, pulled up straight.