LEOPARDSTOWN 14:20

All 5 ran. Hurdles: 6.

Time: 3m 57.3s Closing Sectional: (5.4f): 75.6s (105.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 99%

The flight in the home straight was omitted due to the low trajectory of the sun

Sharjah has made something of a habit of bursting bubbles in this particular contest in recent years, but that wasn't to be the case this time around, an early mistake doing him no favours though it is unlikely he'd have beaten either of his younger stable companions even so, the progressive State Man enhancing his burgeoning reputation with his most impressive performance to date; the rank outsider took them along at a sound pace.

STATE MAN (FR) has made remarkable strides since falling in a maiden at this meeting last year, top-class now, unbeaten in all 5 starts since - 3 of them at the highest level - and giving the impression there is even more to come when the situation requires it, which it very much will if pitched in against Constitution Hill; close up, jumped well in main, led on bridle approaching last, quickened over 1f out, drew clear, hands-and-heels ride; there is no doubt that he is a live Champion Hurdle contender now, if he wasn't already, and will hopefully to get a chance to test his credentials against the reigning champion, Honeysuckle, in the Irish version back here in a few weeks time.

VAUBAN (FR) last season's outstanding juvenile hurdler, made a very encouraging return to action after 8 months off, one which suggests he will be well up to holding his own at this level this season, especially with further improvement likely; waited with, untidy fourth, smooth headway entering straight, forced to switch over 1f out, ran on; the Red Mills Trial hurdle at Gowran appeals as an obvious alternative if, as reportedly intimated, connections decide to skip the Irish Champion.

SHARJAH (FR) came up short in his bid to win this race for a remarkable fifth year in a row, justifiable to believe he isn't quite the force he once was, though a very bad mistake in the early stages must have had some impact; mid-division, all but came down second, close up second early in straight, switched over 1f out, not quicken.

SHE IS ELECTRIC (IRE) was merely making up the numbers at this level; made running, awkward first, headed between last 2, weakened.

PIED PIPER can have a line put through this run as he was reportedly found to be clinically abnormal post race; held up, pushed along briefly end of back straight, stopped quickly, heavily eased off.