CHELTENHAM 13:10 5431

Non Runners: MACGILONEY (IRE), PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS (IRE), MONSANT (IRE), BILLY LEE SWAGGER (IRE). Hurdles: 10. Race Distance Adjustment: +38 yds

Time: 5m 9.1s Closing Sectional: (4.1f): 59.4s (100.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 129%, Betfair SP 100.2%

An ultra-competitive event, with prolific winners filling 3 of the first 4 places, though it was an unexposed maiden over hurdles in second who arguably shaped best of all; American Sniper went clear over a circuit out, making it a true test.

DOUBLE POWERFUL (IRE) possibly hasn't finished improving yet but had to work harder to complete the 6-timer back in a much more competitive affair after just 7 days off, also hampering the third and benefiting from the runner-up fluffing the last; dropped out, typically travelled well, not fluent third, took closer order out wide sixth, led approaching last, edged right run-in (jockey cautioned for careless riding), driven out.

YOUNG LUCY (IRE) fit from the Flat and upped in trip, ran her best race under either code and would have won for the first time outside of bumpers had she met the last better after conceding first run; held up, headway 2 out, bad mistake last, closed all the way to the line.

PLAISIR DES FLOS (FR) like the winner bidding for a 6-timer, found that rival getting in his way after the last but still ran well; held up, headway sixth, effort after 2 out, close up crossing last, every chance when hampered run-in, forced to switch, stayed on.

TUNE IN A BOX (IRE) confirmed the promise of his reappearance, back to his Punchestown form in the spring but much higher in the weights now and unable to land a serious blow; mid-field, headway 2 out, shaken up after, ran on.

IL VA DE SOI (FR) couldn't complete a hat-trick but ran creditably after 7 months off; chased leaders, effort when forced to switch run-in, no extra final 50 yds.

AMERICAN SNIPER (IRE) who won this race last year, ran well under a 7-lb penalty, but did a bit too much mid-race in first-time blinkers; disputed lead, went on third, drew clear quickly, reduced advantage 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra.

STAY IF U WANT TO (IRE) ran respectably but seemed to find this a bit too competitive; mid-field, lost place before 2 out, kept on again.

GETALEAD (IRE) found it much tougher from 12 lb higher in such a competitive race; mid-field, pushed along from fifth, lost place before 3 out, no threat after.

WHATSUPWITHYOU (IRE) back in cheekpieces, was well backed but could fill only the same position he had in this last year; prominent, not fluent second, awkward 2 out, faded straight.

CLONBURY BRIDGE (IRE) looks too high in the weights in Britain, making as little impact in the finish as he had off the same mark at Cartmel in the summer; chased leaders, lost place before 2 out, no extra.

FOSTER'SISLAND went backwards from his reappearance and has now flopped on both ventures south; mid-field, effort before home turn, made no impression.

WOT YOU WEARING (IRE) again ran below form, albeit in a better-quality handicap than he usually contests; tracked pace, lost place when not fluent 3 out, no chance after.

LITTLEFOOT (IRE) after 9 weeks off, found his run of good form coming to a halt; raced off the pace, bad mistake 4 out, made no impression.

ZACONY REBEL (IRE) offered little on his first start for 10 months, having been sold out of the Toby Lawes stable for only £1,000; held up, struggling 3 out.

REBEL INTENTIONS (IRE) hit the buffers after a bright start to the season, found to have an irregular heartbeat; disputed lead until third, remained prominent, folded after 3 out.

VICTORY CLUB (IRE) probably needed the run making his handicap debut after 8 months off; held up, some headway around 3 out, effort proved short-lived.