CHELTENHAM 15:30

Non Runners: OLD GUARD. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 45s Closing Sectional: (3.9f): 53.2s (100.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 99.2%

The absence through injury of the outstanding 2m hurdler Faugheen, as well as last season's runner-up Arctic Fire, meant this was a substandard renewal of the top 2m hurdle of the season, Annie Power proving an able substitute after being supplemented, not having to improve on her very best form on a rare foray outside races for her own sex; the placed horses ran with credit, with no excuses really, but most of the rest found a well-run race at this level on rather quicker ground than anticipated all too much for them.

ANNIE POWER (IRE) who'd been supplemented after Faugheen's injury, didn't need to improve to become the first mare to win this race since Flakey Dove, her performance here and in the 2014 World Hurdle making it rather a shame that she's not been tried more often outside mares events; led first, made rest, jumped/travelled well, drew clear after 2 out, kept on well run-in, won readily; she will presumably stand in for Faugheen at Punchestown as well, and will take all the beating given the likely opposition.

MY TENT OR YOURS (IRE) not seen for nearly 2 years, showed all his old ability remains, a fine training performance to have him at his best after such a long absence, placed at this meeting for the third time; prominent, not settle fully, ridden after 2 out, not quicken approaching last, kept on run-in; presumably a rematch with the winner at Punchestown will be next, if he continues to stand training.

NICHOLS CANYON bounced back to form, indeed running his best race yet, likely to have finished second had he not fluffed the last; prominent, mistake third, not quicken 2 out, keeping on when mistake last; he's a high-class hurdler, who will win more races below the very highest level, but is always likely to come up short in a Champion Hurdle, the Aintree Hurdle back up in trip presumably an option next.

THE NEW ONE (IRE) ran creditably, as previously in this race lacking speed at a crucial stage; led until first, remained prominent, plugged on after 2 out; it's surprising he's not run beyond 2m since the 2014 Aintree Hurdle, his close second and a narrow win in 2 tries at that race suggesting strongly that is where he should go next, the World Hurdle the obvious option in a year's time.

TOP NOTCH (FR) ran creditably, with no excuses, this as good as he is as a hurdler, a switch to fences next season the obvious move with him; in touch, effort when mistake 2 out, one paced.

IDENTITY THIEF (IRE) was below form after 11 weeks off, perhaps just not up to the task, though he had raced on going softer than good previously; chased leaders, not fluent fourth, ridden when not fluent 3 out, left behind home turn.

LIL ROCKERFELLER (USA) wasn't disgraced, having been supplemented, given 2m in this company on good ground wasn't an ideal test; mid-division, soon off bridle, never on terms.

SIGN OF A VICTORY (IRE) wasn't disgraced after 12 weeks off, flying too high in this grade and rather flattering to deceive once more; held up, not settle fully, smooth headway 3 out, ridden next, no extra; he'd be better off in something like the Swinton on similar ground.

CAMPING GROUND (FR) back down in trip, was run off his feet, probably better on softer ground anyway; untidy first, badly outpaced long way out, always behind.

HARGAM (FR) was well held after 12 weeks off, possibly better on easier ground; waited with, labouring badly third.

SEMPRE MEDICI (FR) was well held in first-time tongue strap, flying too high in this grade; held up, labouring fifth, tailed off when pulled up last.

PEACE AND CO (FR) has had a season of abject disappointment after his Triumph success at this meeting a year ago, hard to know where connections go with him now; raced off the pace, pushed along fifth, carried head awkwardly 3 out, pulled up last.