KELSO 15:30

Non Runners: DUBAI DAYS (IRE). Fences: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +22 yds

Time: 4m 10.9s Closing Sectional: (4.2f): 60.1s (102.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 100.2%

A familiar sight in the Simply Ned as, for the fourth time in 6 years, it provided the perfect platform for a likeable Hamilton-trained chaser to start his season with a bang, except in this case it was courtesy of a potentially high-class chaser in Tommy's Oscar rather than the admirable Nuts Well; the race-fit Cedar Hill ensured a true test, half of them left behind well before the straight.

TOMMY'S OSCAR (IRE) had some big shoes to fill after stablemate Nuts Well's exploits in this in the last half-decade but made defying top weight in a good-class handicap look routine starting out on only his second season chasing, a pretty much faultless return that suggests he can fulfil his potential in 2023/24 after a rather hit-and-miss novice campaign; the sound gallop really suited him and, having largely jumped really soundly held up, he tanked his way into contention and quickened impressively to lead almost as soon as he'd switched around the placed pair between the last 2, sustaining his run all the way to the line as he drew clear, strong enough at the finish to think a crack at the OId Roan over a little further ought to be the next step in a campaign that should feature graded success in a thin division in Britain; the sample size is small but 2 winners from just 3 runners back this autumn suggests the yard has started this campaign more forward than the last one.

CEDAR HILL (IRE) was 2 lb wrong at the weights but seemed beaten on merit nonetheless, sensibly ridden to make use of his proven fitness; pressed leader, jumped on third, pressed on 3 out, headed between last 2, left behind by winner.

GOLD DES BOIS (FR) found life tougher than when landing a weaker edition (pulled clear with Malystic) the previous year, 3 lb out of the weights this time yet still 1 lb lower than he'd been in 2022, not shaping as if short of fitness following a breathing operation for all he didn't have the benefit of a run this time around; led until third, remained prominent, pressed leader again 2 out, not quicken.

GANAPATHI (FR) fared no better back chasing on his first outing since leaving Patrick Neville after 7 months off; soon detached, struggling from 3 out.

SIL VER KLASS (FR) who had been running poorly on the Flat, did the same back jumping with a new yard (sold out A. J. Martin's stable for £18,000); in touch until 5 out, left behind.

MALYSTIC is best excused this return for all it was much worse than his comeback in this race the previous year (clear second to Gold des Bois), getting better as last season wore on for one; waited with, pushed along from 4 out, no response; his first of 3 wins in 2022/23 came on heavy going but his running style and demeanour are such that less testing ground plays to his strengths all the more.