SANDOWN PARK 14:35

All 5 ran. Fences: 17.

Time: 5m 9s Closing Sectional: (2.75f): 44.7s (94.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.3%

A good field for this Grade 1 but it doesn't strike as a race likely to have much of an impact on championship novices in the spring, marred as it was by the fatal fall of Hermes Allen 2 out, by which point the all-the-way winner already looked beyond catching, that one probably seen to maximum effect forcing a strong gallop that quickly had his rivals caught out of their ground.

NICKLE BACK (IRE) back up in trip, proved better than ever to land a big prize, an uncontested lead at a track that richly rewards the sort of jumping rhythm he got into meaning he was seen to something like full advantage; jumped boldly, went with enthusiasm, clear from third, pressed further clear early final circuit, pushed along after 3 out, still about 14 lengths clear last, reduced advantage flat, driven out; it's difficult to imagine him being able to pull off something similar in the Golden Miller, but he's already an excellent advert for a small stable and his style is likely to remain a help more often than it's a hindrance and should ensure he wins more good races.

DJELO (FR) remains in good form but was never all that close to the winner and will be more effective back under positive tactics; held up, clouted twelfth, left second 2 out, stayed on flat, seeing out the longer trip.

COLONEL HARRY (IRE) was below form, seemingly run off his feet away from the mud for the first time over fences; in rear, not always fluent, struggled with pace, well held after 4 out.

LE PATRON (FR) wasn't in the same form as last time, losing his unbeaten chasing record with a bit of a whimper; mid-field, hit twelfth, ridden after 4 out, weakened next.

HERMES ALLEN (FR) was sadly fatally injured; led main group, 17 lengths down in second and pushed along when fell 2 out.