WINCANTON 15:00

Non Runners: BRANDON CASTLE. Hurdles: 8. Race Distance Adjustment: +19 yds

Time: 3m 36.3s Closing Sectional: (6.60f): 90.70s (102.9%)

What was probably a sterner test of Fusil Raffles' credentials as an open graded hurdler than the market suggested - particuarly in light of his trainer's worries over his short preparation - was passed in no better than satisfactory fashion, the balance of power shifting his way with Grand Sancy's mistake at the second last, but he looks one capable of a good bit better still under the right circumstances; Grand Sancy set a sound gallop before steadying things at the end of the back straight, brifely catching the winner out when he quickened again early in the straight before his momentum was stemmed by that mistake.

FUSIL RAFFLES (FR) made a successful step out of juvenile company after 6 months off, maintaining his unbeaten record for this yard, and, though he was made to work hard and was helped by the runner-up's error at the second last, that one is very much at home around this track and Henderson was quick to stress how short a time Fusil Raffles had been in work this autumn, so all in all this was a satisfactory return; chased leader, untidy third (fluent otherwise), shaken up when leader quickened early in straight, challenged between last 2, jumped on last, ridden out as pair came well clear; there's better still to come, while the fact that he wasn't a typical juvenile - lightly raced and jumps bred - means he's got more scope to bridge the gap to the top hurdlers around this season, sure to relish a sterner test at 2m than he's faced so far, too.

GRAND SANCY (FR) winner of the Kingwell here last season, stepped up significantly on his reappearance run, emerging best at the weights, and he might have won had he jumped the second last as well as he'd taken the rest; led, steadied after 3 out before pressed on early in straight, had Fusil Raffles at it when lost momentum with fairly sizeable mistake 2 out, headed last, kept on, pulled clear of remainder; he'll jump a fence in time, though a campaign built around another crack at the Kingwell looks in store first as he continues to mature.

BEAT THE JUDGE (IRE) who had plenty to find, wasn't up to the task but picked up some healthy prize money for third; mid-division, pushed along before home turn, left behind by principals before 2 out, plugged on, took third close home.

CHRISTOPHER WOOD (IRE) who' had a breathing operation, was given a most considerate return from 6 months off, some of the better 2m handicap hurdles presumably on his agenda again (prominent in the betting when down the field in the Swinton in the spring); patiently ridden, not fluent second, in contention after 3 out, left behind approaching next, lost third late on, not given at all a hard time.

TOP BEAK (IRE) was completely out of his depth and it showed; raced off the pace, pecked first, struggling third, tailed off quickly (bled).