NEWBURY 14:52

Non Runners: MAJOR FORTUNE (IRE). Hurdles: 12. Race Distance Adjustment: +138 yds

Time: 6m 18s Closing Sectional: (4f): 55.4s (109.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 100.5%

Hard to recall a smaller field for a qualifier in this series and the original 4 had effectively been halved by 2 out, from which point the first 2 - which didn't include the winner of the last Final - in the market dominated, both of whom are known quantities.

AMERICAN SNIPER (IRE) was strong in the market refitted with cheekpieces and capitalised on a falling mark, one that had dipped 2 lb below the one he'd defied at Cheltenham at a similar time in 2023, a soft lead upped to a trip probably more in his comfort zone these days enabling him to hold off his main rival; made all, not fluent 2 out, threatened run-in, kept on gamely.

EMITOM (IRE) showed he's still a useful hurdler back from 10 months off, first or second on 4 of his last 5 completed outings; patiently ridden, smooth headway 2 out, pressed leader from last, edged out.

MONMIRAL (FR) shaped as if needing the run starting out on a new season after winning the Final of this series at long odds as his highlight of the last; waited with, took closer order 3 out, weakened last, not knocked about.

HENRY'S FRIEND (IRE) might have needed the run making his return over hurdles but found little all the same; waited with, in contention 3 out, faltered before 2 out, eased off.