ASCOT 15:50

Non Runners: RAJDHANI EXPRESS. Fences: 17.

Time: 5m 23.95s Closing Sectional: (3.77f): 56.1s (101%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 98.2%

A smaller field than usual for this Grade 1 event and none of the quintet were fixtures at this level out of novice company, though that's not to say that there aren't grounds for being positive about the pair that gave their running, everything about their performances suggesting they were at the top of their game, the form worth a bullish rating as a result.

BALDER SUCCES (FR) proved better than ever, the step up in trip on his last 2 starts beginning to look the making of him, and a serious Ryanair contender on this showing, the fact connections gave Cheltenham a miss last year neither here nor there, given that he would have won on the track but for falling 2 out the previous autumn; waited with, jumped well, tanked along, led on bridle 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on well, kept up to work; sure to give another good account.

MA FILLEULE (FR) after 10 weeks off, hadn't been seen to advantage on either start in the autumn, but looked in fine shape beforehand and was right back to her best, perhaps even better than ever; waited with, jumped well, travelled well, effort after 3 out, not quicken next, kept on well run-in; really came to herself in the spring last year and may yet do better still, sure to make another bold bid next time, even if she does have work to do to turn round placings with the winner.

BALLYCASEY (IRE) disappointed after 7 weeks off, seeming sure to benefit from the return to this sort of trip but producing a tame effort when asked, something perhaps amiss either physically or mentally; led first, remained prominent, effort when mistake thirteenth, ridden after 3 out, found little; questions to answer now.

THEATRE GUIDE (IRE) was well held in first-time cheekpieces, not up to the task, and though a change of tactics may not have been ideal, the way in which he was left behind essentially reflects well on the first 2; took keen hold, led after first, ridden twelfth, headed fourteenth, left behind after 3 out.

PTIT ZIG (FR) failed to complete, after making just about his first mistake in 5 races over fences; handy, travelled well, yet to be asked for effort when fell ninth; his jumping has generally looked an asset and hopefully this won't have harmed his confidence, as on form he holds leading claims for whichever race is chosen as his Cheltenham target.