NAAS 13:43

All 10 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 5m 6.6s Closing Sectional: (4.55f): 66.6s (104.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 101.1%

The second Grade 1 novice to be blighted by low sun in a matter of weeks, just like the Formby the omission of flights in the straight resulting in this running - the first one to have a double-figure field since being upgraded to this level in 2015 – turning into a stamina test after the less-than-fluent winner lifted the pace in the back straight, he pulling clear with the well-backed favourite.

I'LL SORT THAT (IRE) the only graded winner in the field, continues to improve and overcame mistakes in maintaining his unbeaten record over hurdles, his trainer/jockey ensuring it became a test from some way out back up in trip and notching a first Grade 1 success; led after first, pressed on back straight, not fluent again usual 3 out, tackled under 2f out, kept on gamely under hard driving; a likeable type with a cracking attitude, he's already achieved plenty but would by no means be favourite to confirm the form with the less-experienced Sortudo should they meet again in the spring.

SORTUDO (IRE) continued his most promising start over hurdles having been strong in the betting upped in trip, likely to have pushed the progressive winner all the way had the hurdle in the straight been in situ considering how I'll Sort That jumped, the pair clear; taken wide, waited with, smooth headway leaving back straight, challenged under 2f out, held final 100 yds; he's another potentially smart hurdler to emerge from last season's Champion Bumper (also contained Grade 1 winners No Drama This End and Idaho Sun) and will presumably head to the Baring Bingham with solid place claims at the very least.

FRUIT DE MER (IRE) ran at least as well in defeat as when winning an uncompetitive maiden on hurdling debut 8 weeks earlier; handy, lost place entering straight, plugged on from over 1f out; remains open to improvement with still longer trips to explore (stoutly bred) and looks the type who could outrun his odds in the Spa.

SWITCH FROM DIESEL (IRE) shaped as if still in good form upped in grade and taking on geldings, typically going about things in a likeable manner; in rear, progress entering straight, third 2f out, no extra, finished tired; wouldn't want turning out quickly but very much the sort that remains capable of better, particularly back against just her own sex and under less testing conditions given the turn of speed she possessed in bumpers.

FRANKIE JOHN (IRE) merely plugged on past beaten horses turned out again quickly/under a change of tactics and will be better off with his sights lowered; raced off the pace, ridden usual 3 out, never dangerous.

SAINT BACO (FR) very easy to back despite being the pick of Townend over Sortudo and failed to see his race out upped to a trip he should stay, shaping as if amiss - worth remembering that he missed plenty of time following his debut; in touch, took keen hold, chased leader home turn, folded under 2f out.

CLASSICAL CREEK looked up to this sort of level when landing the odds on hurdling debut 7 weeks earlier but proved to be a disappointment, nothing coming to light in the aftermath; led early, remained prominent, driven end of back straight, left behind.

LORD ROUGE (FR) had looked a good prospect when winning at Cork, though that race hasn't worked out - despite being supported by the timefigure - and he was found out in much better company; mid-field, behind when not fluent seventh; should prove as effective at 2½m.

KOVANIS (FR) had contested what seemed a weak Grade 2 last time and was the first beaten; raced off the pace, untidy fifth, tailed off after seventh.

LETOS (FR) was flying too high in this grade but should still have plenty to offer in handicaps at this trip; mid-field, struggling badly usual 3 out.