HUNTINGDON 13:45

All 6 ran. Hurdles: 10.

Time: 4m 51.2s Closing Sectional: (4f): 56.9s (104.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 99.5%

The strong-running Jax Junior had ensured half the field had been left trailing by 3 out but it wasn't until close home that it became clear which of the breakaway trio - all above-average novices, as befitting a race with such names as Shishkin and Time For Rupert on its roll of honour this century - would be adding a listed win to their record, the winner still learning but clearly not light on stamina to see things out so well in a race that tested it.

CALIFET EN VOL (IRE) is reportedly unlikely to take up his Baring Bingham entry and the Sefton at Aintree will probably prove beyond him, but neither ought disguise what has been a very sound platform across his 3 novice hurdle starts so far, given much more of a break since running into Challow winner The New Lion at Newbury and revealing a new side to his game as he wore his way to the front down the outer late on after coming off the bridle following a mistake 3 out and taking the last just over a length down in third; he's got the hallmarks of a smashing novice chaser for next season.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED (IRE) had an SP that reflected novice hurdle form shy of the big 2 in the betting but a sizeable step forward upped in trip enabled him to go very close, a performance in line with what might have been expected set against his sixth in the Aintree bumper; in touch, close up from 3 out, edged ahead soon after last, headed only close home.

JAX JUNIOR gave his all but ultimately found the effort of trying to keep the other 2 at bay telling on him, having typically put plenty into it in the now-trademark style that had seen him hammer lesser rivals in a couple of runs since a transformative breathing operation; forced pace, jumped well, still in front when crossing last, headed run-in, no extra close home.

JUNKER D'ALLIER (FR) fluffed his lines again, if not nearly so badly as he'd done in the Formby on Boxing Day (had breathing operation in interim), a couple of untimely errors costing him impetus but not any positions; held up, went out wide back straight, mistakes 4 out and 3 out, lost touch.

SECRET DES DIEUX (FR) never got into a position to get this field on the stretch as he'd done to Fakenham handicappers from a BHA mark of just 118 the time before, the better company all too much; ridden more patiently, off pace, pushed along soon after 4 out, left behind; he was fitted with a tongue tie, yet his issue the time before had looked more tactical than physical.

BLOCK ROCKIN BEATS (IRE) was even further away from his bumper form hiked in class 7 weeks on from finishing only fourth in a maiden; raced off the pace out wide, novicey mistakes, uncomfortable with pace, labouring long way out.