CHELTENHAM 14:00

All 9 ran. Fences: 17. Race Distance Adjustment: +73 yds

Time: 5m 36.1s Closing Sectional: (3.84f): 63.1s (97%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 102.8%

A race that is quite often one of the weakest Grade 3 handicaps during the Cheltenham season, this no real exception, with several struggling for form or where the handicapper wants them, a couple of the best backed runners flopping, the unexposed winner showing some improvement but possibly not so much as might have been expected.

BALLYHILL (FR) less exposed than the rest, was surprisingly easy to back (possibly bogus ground fears) but showed some improvement to get off the mark over fences for a stable with a good record in this race with novices; held up, travelled well, headway eleventh, led on bridle 3 out, in command last, idled briefly, ridden run-in, found extra; he'll face stiffer tasks ahead but has the potential to progress further.

SHANTOU FLYER (IRE) under this good conditional for the first time, ran well in first-time cheekpieces after just 6 days off, bidding to repeat last season's win in this, doing well given how he lost his position completely mid-race; disputed lead until second, lost place when mistake thirteenth, rallied before 2 out, challenged after last, kept on; it remains to be seen if he can back this up.

SAMETEGAL (FR) is running consistently on his return from a lengthy absence, though he didn't travel so well here as he has the last twice, possibly a hangover from running over the National fences; chased leaders, pushed along briefly early final circuit, shaken up after 3 out, not quicken early in straight; presumably the race he won at Newbury 2 seasons ago will be on the agenda into the spring.

TOP GAMBLE (IRE) attracted support, third in the race twice previously and given a chance by the handicapper, but he perhaps isn't quite the force of old and ran just respectably; held up, headway eleventh, every chance 3 out, ridden after, one paced approaching last.

QUITE BY CHANCE failed to confirm previous form this season, away from Ascot, hanging as if he'd rather be there; handy, hung right, labouring twelfth.

THEINVAL (FR) is better away from the mud and shaped about as well as might have been expected under the conditions; raced off the pace, took closer order 4 out, shaken up after 3 out, no extra next.

BURTONS WELL (IRE) looked to have a lot going for him, less exposed than most, and also appeared trained to the minute beforehand, but he disappointed after 11 weeks off, folding as if amiss; led, took keen hold, not fluent eighth and joined briefly, headed 3 out, folded tamely; left with questions to answer.

SPLASH OF GINGE not an ideal medium for a gamble, got discouraged after belting one, adding to his patchy record; disputed lead until second, disputed lead again eighth, clouted eleventh, lost place, pulled up.

VICONTE DU NOYER (FR) ran poorly kept to a trip that's short of his optimum; close up, not fluent first, mistake second, disputed lead briefly eighth, weakened 3 out, pulled up straight.