SANDOWN PARK 14:35

All 4 ran. Fences: 17.

Time: 5m 23.6s Closing Sectional: (2.75f): 40.5s (109.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 106%, Betfair SP 100.6%

One of just 2 Grade 1 events at the trip for novice chasers left in the calendar, with the Golden Miller no longer an option at the Cheltenham Festival, but it still attracted just 4 runners and, with the DRF running concurrently, not a single Irish-trained one; that said, the match that developed produced a thrilling finish and form of a level well up to scratch for the race.

HANDSTANDS (IRE) raised his game still further yet in completing a hat-trick, a lot to like about the way he went about things, gutsy in the face of a determined challenger, not entered at Cheltenham and set to return to 3m+ for the Mildmay at Aintree; led, jumped fluently, travelled well, shaken up straight, joined last, kept on well to edge ahead in game fashion.

JANGO BAIE (FR) confirmed the abundant promise of his chasing debut (form boosted since), just having to give best close home against a tough rival with lots of stamina, like that one perhaps set for Aintree rather than Cheltenham but the Manifesto over this trip instead of the Mildmay; close up, took keen hold, disputed lead briefly fifth, shaken up before 3 out, every chance when not fluent last, kept on well.

MARK OF GOLD ran to a similar level as on chasing debut, outclassed as much as anything, though it's possible the ground was more testing than ideal; held up, awkward sixth, shaken up after 4 out, left behind before 2 out.

KALIF DU BERLAIS (FR) had made a bright start over fences and may yet resume progress, lack of stamina more than lack of ability looking the issue on a first try beyond 17f; waited with, travelled well, shaken up 3 out, not fluent 2 out, found little; he's entered in the Arkle, though, knowing his stable, the Maghull at Aintree may well be the main aim.