SANDOWN PARK 14:25

All 4 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 17s

Overrounds: Industry SP 107%, Betfair SP 98.5%

There was an even smaller field than usual for this Grade 1 novice, but that didn't stop the winner putting up a Grade 1 standard performance, beating the very promising runner-up in most decisive fashion, with a horse with useful handicap form well held in third when falling at the last.

L'AMI SERGE (IRE) looked out of the top drawer in making it 3 wins in 3 starts in Britain, building on what he'd achieved in the Gerry Feilden and Kennel Gate, picking up in a way that very few are likely to have been able to do under the conditions; waited with, tanked along, not fluent third and fourth, headway straight, led on bridle before 2 out, quickened clear, kept on well run-in, impressive; set to go straight for the Supreme after this, and is likely to be the leading British-trained contender on form, with the potential for more to come, all in all, rightly at the head of the market for the race.

JOLLY'S CRACKED IT (FR) progressed again, though no match for the impressive winner, time likely to show there was no disgrace in that; tracked pace, travelled well, every chance 2 out, not quicken approaching last; may yet do better, still to try beyond 2m.

THELORDBEWITHYOU (IRE) after 22 months off, was out of depth but rewarded connections' enterprise; held up, tailed off fifth, left remote third at last.

SHELFORD (IRE) wasn't up to the task and was comfortably held in third when departing at the last, likely to have run respectably at best; led, jumped left 3 out, ridden straight, headed before 2 out, one paced, 6 lengths behind runner-up when fell last.