CHEPSTOW 15:35

All 5 ran. Fences: 18. Race Distance Adjustment: +90 yds

Time: 6m 20.1s Closing Sectional: (2.55f): 35.95s (112.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 100.7%

One of those rare occasions where the horse is far bigger than the race, this novice taking on great significance as the starting point for the next chapter in the career of Thistlecrack, his chasing debut, and he had read the script, ticking box after box in the jumping exam, exhilarating for what could be to come, pity on those who went up against him here, Aqalim at least giving him some sort of workout.

THISTLECRACK took a positive and foot-perfect first step on the path to the Gold Cup, a plan that need only be described as ambitious if his jumping didn't look up to the job, such is his prodigious ability over hurdles (Timeform rated 174p), brilliant winner of the World Hurdle in an unbeaten campaign last winter, and the early prognosis from the jumping test here was very good; things were kept simple as he made all, given some extra rein to extend only twice, firstly on the run to the home straight to jump at greater speed once his eye was in, and then from the last to complete an easy job, but all the scrutiny was on his fencing, and the impressive part wasn't just the unblemished round but the array of technique he showcased along the way, nimble and agile when getting close to 5 out, jumping out of Scudamore's hands 4 out, running down 2 out when needing to put himself right, then fast and accurate at the last; it will reportedly be another novice, at Cheltenham in November, up next for him, but to say he already looks a natural over fences is an understatement, and we know from his hurdling engine, fine-tuned over last season, that there'll be little or nothing to outrun him in staying chases, even in a Gold Cup.

AQALIM predictably toyed with by Thistlecrack, but in personal terms it was a big advance on his stable/chasing debut at Bangor, charging again from 4 out (having lost his place) and doing well to get so close to the winner 2 out, for all that the latter was never out of second gear; this was more like his smart hurdles form, but it's still doubtful he's really cut out for chasing.

SADDLERS ENCORE (IRE) found the wheels coming off in competitive handicaps at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, and his apparent fragility tempers enthusiasm about him over fences, but this was a fair start, judged against Aqalim and obviously not Thistlecrack, slow at the first but soon warming to the task, losing second only 2 out, to one that was match-fit, while Saddlers Encore had been absent 7 months; there's improvement in him, based on his hurdles form.

SHAKY GIFT (IRE) has done good work over hurdles since brought straight to fences (for 1 go) from points at the start of last season, and this isn't the race to judge her on, given the company and, moreover, the 10-month absence, never on terms, though not punished once clearly beaten.

COOLE CHARMER (IRE) really looks the part but never got going for Nicky Henderson following a debut bumper win, though there's time yet, with so few miles on the clock, and the change in yard might have done him good as he shaped a lot better than the bare result on his chasing debut, making a mistake at the third but otherwise jumping fine and going as well as any bar Thistlecrack into the straight, before his absence appeared to take some hold, dropping away after 4 out; the progress in him may be more major than minor for handicaps.