CHELTENHAM 15:15 2j3t4h

Non Runners: TWIG. Hurdles: 10. Race Distance Adjustment: +56 yds

Time: 5m 17.7s Closing Sectional: (4.1f): 59.9s (106.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A smart sextet in an open-looking running of what is a Grade 2 rarely won by anything with pretentions at the highest level, the 4 that were involved in the closing stages all coming into the race off a good run, the form solid enough even though the pace was steady.

LUCKY PLACE (FR) followed up his win in the Ascot Hurdle under a penalty, scoring in similar fashion, his willing attitude standing him in good stead, this a career best and a very similar rating to that achieved by the principals in the Long Walk, his next task to make the transition to top-level staying hurdler (still some way behind the likes of Teahupoo); tracked pace, travelled well, pushed along soon after 2 out, led approaching last, ridden out.

GOWEL ROAD (IRE) ran well upped in grade, though he had the run of the race, which was a help over this shorter trip; led, took keen hold, hung left, shaken up entering straight, headed approaching last, kept on run-in.

GOLDEN ACE turned in a very similar effort to last time, weighted to turn the tables on the winner and looking a big threat turning for home but not finishing the race so well as she might have done; held up, travelled well, mistake first, not fluent second, effort early in straight, no extra after last; she's effective at the trip and on the ground, but she will surely benefit from a return to 2m - an entry in the Betfair Hurdle wouldn't go amiss.

THUNDER ROCK (IRE) kept over hurdles, ran a lot better than at Ascot, though the run of the race wasn't in his favour and he couldn't cope once the pace lifted; held up, pushed along before 3 out, not fluent 2 out, left behind after.

LANGER DAN (IRE) ran poorly, unsuited by the steady pace but still folding pretty tamely; in touch, shaken up after 2 out, weakened quickly; all his best form has come in March/April, so he shouldn't be written off on the strength of a couple of poor runs so far this season.

SALVER (FR) upped in trip, was in the process of running creditably when he came down at the last; held up, headway when not fluent 3 out, shaken up straight, fourth when fell last.