CHELTENHAM 12:40

Non Runners: WALKING ON AIR (IRE). Fences: 17. Race Distance Adjustment: +84 yds

Time: 5m 28.2s Closing Sectional: (3.84f): 56.6s (106.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99.4%

The first Timeform field this small since 2018 and perhaps the depth wasn't what has become the norm, though the time compared well with the later open handicap at the trip and winner must be on his way to some of the best open handicaps around to pick off a front-running stablemate who hadn't put a foot wrong, the pair coming clear with a rival boasting form in graded novice company.

JAGWAR (FR) has flourished since sent chasing and gave the biggest boost yet to the form of the small-field Uttoxeter race won by Jingko Blue, with revenge on his conqueror that day in any future meeting far from out of the question the way he's progressed overall, with no little style to go with the substance of this performance; patiently ridden, jumped soundly, headway on bridle from 3 out, produced last, asserted run-in, ridden out; he'll have to be of serious interest in the 'new' Festival novice handicap, when the gallop is likely to be stronger as well.

BILLYTHEREALBIGRED is an absolute natural over fences and emerged with his reputation enhanced for all he had his unbeaten start ended at the hands a scopier type with pattern-race pretensions; made running, jumped impeccably, went with zest, reduced advantage approaching straight, joined last, left behind by winner entering final 1f but kept on well enough to hold second; still only a 5-y-o, it's hard to believe his running style and jumping won't see him dominate other races this season, with somewhere like Aintree tailor-made for him.

MASACCIO (IRE) wasted no time getting back on track, back in a handicap from a mark 12 lb higher than for his winning chasing debut but still finding it easier than when tackling The Jukebox Man at level weights the last twice; chased leader, every chance when shaken up home turn, stayed on.

RESPLENDENT GREY (IRE) has looked a stronger stayer the more he's raced and, whilst there was a lacklustre element to this as well, it's unlikely he'll race shy of 3m very often for the remainder of the season, his jumping for one not slick enough for coping with the emphasis on speed at shorter; raced off the pace, blundered sixth, shaken up circuit out, outpaced still 3 out, late headway to suggest still in form.

WHISTLE STOP TOUR (IRE) is better judged on his progressive form in the North coming in, the drop in trip against him ridden more patiently than usual; outpaced ninth, shaken up again 4 out, never on terms.

RYAN'S ROCKET (IRE) didn't get home at all, which might have been purely lack of stamina given a first try over fences at this sort of trip, though he did look light in condition beforehand; waited with, took closer order 4 out, threatened soon after next, shaken up straight, found less than looked likely.

GUARD YOUR DREAMS will remain vulnerable to novices with younger legs but a blunder was the main factor in his failing to beat a rival; in touch, bad mistake fifth, outpaced 3 out.