SANDOWN PARK 15:00

All 13 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 3.7s Closing Sectional: (6f): 87.7s (104.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 101%

The Imperial Cup has suffered a bit from its proximity to Cheltenham in the last few years, both in terms of numbers and higher-rated runners, this effectively a 0-138 handicap, lacking any Irish challenge - or indeed a runner from the Nicholls yard - and even the reinstatement of the bonus for winning this and any race at Cheltenham failed to have an immediate impact; that said, the first 2 were unexposed and runners that would have been of interest in much more competitive handicaps, probably better in relation to the rest than the bare form indicates, coming from off a pace that wasn't that strong.

LONDON PRIZE had run well on the Flat since his fall at Musselburgh and showed marked improvement back over hurdles to land this valuable prize at just the second attempt in handicaps; held up, travelled well, effort when hampered after 3 out, headway after 2 out, led soon after last, ridden out; he's likely to continue to give a good account, either over hurdles or on the Flat, with the Swinton the most obvious target this spring in this sphere.

FIXE LE KAP (FR) one of the least exposed, shaped really encouragingly after 12 months off, running up to his best, just lacking the pace of the winner at a crucial stage; in touch, effort straight, not quicken before 2 out, kept on well from last; a leading Triumph candidate at one stage last winter, he remains with potential and, while the Martin Pipe is likely to come too soon, he'd be an interesting contender for a good handicap later in the spring, at Aintree perhaps (will stay 2½m).

DAREBIN (GER) had been in good form on the Flat since last seen over hurdles and ran his best race in this sphere, well positioned; close up, travelled well, led before 2 out, ridden after, headed soon after last, not quicken.

SPICE FAIR off just a week, was taking on a tougher race than usual and acquitted himself well, running up to best; prominent, outpaced approaching 2 out, rallied run-in; versatile with regard to trip, he's tough and reliable, and surely a splendid horse to own for all that he doesn't win very often.

NOT ANOTHER MUDDLE less exposed than the rest, might have been expected to progress on handicap debut but couldn't better previous form over a shorter trip and away from heavy going; mid-division, not settle fully, headway straight, chased leader 2 out, no extra last; he was having just his fourth start over hurdles and may yet do better.

BIGMARTRE (FR) bounced back to form, albeit having the run of the race, his effort encouraging for a stable that hadn't had a runner for nearly a month prior to yesterday; led until before 2 out, one paced.

WILLIAM H BONNEY wasn't disgraced, running a lot better than in the Betfair Hurdle, just a bit too keen early on to see things out; held up, not settle fully, headway early in straight, no extra before last.

KAYF BLANCO was below form in a first-time hood and tongue strap, just finding things a little too competitive on his last 2 starts; held up, effort straight, made no impression.

CHIEFTAIN'S CHOICE (IRE) still looked on a fair mark on his best form but he ran below that level, never a threat up in grade; held up, shaken up entering straight, hampered last, made no impression.

GASSIN GOLF second in this in 2014, didn't seem to be over his fall last time, his jumping letting him down; held up, jumped none too fluently, labouring before 3 out.

PRAIRIE TOWN (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, would have run below form had he completed; in touch, effort straight, held in eighth when fell last.

DISPUTED (IRE) was fatally injured; in rear, pulled up approaching last.

MAX DO BRAZIL (FR) fared no better fitted with a tongue strap and has a lot to prove at present; held up, labouring 3 out, left behind soon after, pulled up before last.