SANDOWN PARK 14:25

Non Runners: IDEE DE GARDE (FR). Hurdles: 8.

Time: 4m 5.2s Closing Sectional: (6.05f): 90.9s (102.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 101.9%

Rathhill was all the rage in the market, having looked so good on debut, but experience won the day, the first 2 having plenty of it, the winner maturing well and with a really likeable way of doing things, the runner-up a typical Nicholls improver, even so the form hard to rate as better than a slightly substandard renewal, improvement needed for the winner to make a major impact in the Supreme.

ELIXIR DE NUTZ (FR) progressed again as he completed his hat-trick, his excellent jumping coupled with a very willing attitude making him a tough nut to crack; led, jumped well, quickened after 3 out, tackled last, found extra, proved game; he'll need to improve again in the Supreme, but is going the right way.

GRAND SANCY (FR) well backed, proved better than ever switched to top novice company, looking all over the winner approaching the last but finding the game leader too tough a nut to crack; held up, travelled well, not fluent fifth, smooth headway entering straight, ridden last, kept on; his mark may go up for this, but he'd be well worth a Betfair Hurdle entry.

SOUTHFIELD STONE ran really well upped in grade, against a pair with more experience and better form; tracked pace, effort straight, close up approaching last, one paced; he's a useful novice and will do even better as a chaser next winter.

RATHHILL (IRE) had looked so promising at Newbury, but failed to build on that up in grade, perhaps due to the holding ground or possibly the race coming too soon for one so inexperienced, either way likely to be well worth another chance; in touch, pushed along before halfway, ridden straight, left behind soon after.

MERCY MERCY ME was an optimistic runner at this level and did about as well as could be expected, for all that dropping down markedly in trip looked against him; held up, left behind 3 out.