SANDOWN PARK 14:25

All 6 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 8.1s Closing Sectional: (6.1f): 93s (101.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 98.1%

It's the norm for the Tolworth to attract a small but select field and that was once again the case; it was a steadily-run affair, the overall time only slightly faster than that clocked by the juveniles earlier on - admittedly in the first race on the card - but this didn't develop until they made the run from 3 out to 2 out, the winner sharply stamping his authority, although it would have been more of a contest but for the second making a hash of the second last; the bare form is rated slightly lower than the 5-year standards for the race, but there's no question that Finian's Oscar has a big future.

FINIAN'S OSCAR (IRE) made a big impression at Hereford and confirmed himself a most exciting prospect as he won this Grade 1 in good style under 3 weeks on from that Rules debut, his strength in the betting notable and justified, and that he coped so well with both the markedly shorter trip and higher grade is indicative of a huge amount of ability; never far away, tanked along, led approaching 2 out, in control when untidy last, ridden out; as far as Cheltenham targets are concerned, stepping back up in trip for the Neptune seems the most likely and suitable option, the Supreme almost certain to place a much greater emphasis on speed than was the case in the mud here, which would potentially make him vulnerable at 2m.

CAPITAINE (FR) is a promising sort and ran well, sure to have made more of a race of it with the winner but for a blunder at the second last just as he was starting a challenge, seeing things out and handling the more demanding conditions; tracked pace, took strong hold, closing when chance-ending mistake 2 out, unable to lay a glove on winner after but kept on; he should remain competitive in top-end novices.

CHALONNIAL (FR) was found out in this better company but matched the form of his Bangor win and should find it aiding his development, not yet looking the finished article; made running, mistake first, hung right after 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, one paced; he should still improve.

GLOBAL STAGE who showed plenty of ability on his only start in bumpers, was in at the deep end on this hurdling debut but shaped promisingly; held up, jumped fine, shaken up before 2 out, kept on; he's sure to progress and win races.

CHARLEMAR (FR) wasn't good enough up in grade and lost his unbeaten start over hurdles; in touch, ridden after 3 out, held approaching next, faded.

CELESTIAL PATH (IRE) a smart performer on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, is a possible non-stayer over jumps, especially under conditions like this, best up to 1m on the level, but this was also a stiff task pitched straight into a Grade 1 for his hurdling debut; in rear, not fluent fourth, weakened after 3 out, not persevered with once held (pulled up): he should do better in calmer waters and on less testing ground.