Expert Analysis

Some decent types have won this in the past, not least My Drogo 12 months before, and Jonbon very much looked of that calibre in running out an easy winner. It has to be said it was not a satisfactory contest overall, however, with a funereal pace until after the second and the heat only really being turned up after 3 out, the overall time is poor and the finishing speed % around 109.  

JONBON (h146+4+ here, 134+ previously) is justifying his big reputation and put up one of the very best novice hurdling performances of the season so far in scoring with plenty to spare, travelling strongly and allowed to lead after the second, quickening and having his rivals in trouble after 3 out, getting reminders between the last 2 and responding well, ears pricked and able to be eased (value at least double his winning margin) near the finish.

This is up there with the win of his stable-companion Constitution Hill at Sandown (a much quicker relative time and impressive late sectionals), with plenty more still to come. A brother to Douvan, he should eventually stay a bit further than 2m and jump a fence: his jumping of hurdles here was largely quick and assured.

COLONEL MUSTARD (h142 here, 146 previously) ran creditably, if probably a little below the form of his second to Echoes In Rain at Punchestown in April, not well served by such a tactical affair, tapped for toe after 3 out but improving up the inner and staying on to the line. He should win more races, for all that he was clearly second-best here.

KNAPPERS HILL (h139 here, 125+ previously) upped his game further, though he did not see his race out especially well, rather free, shaken up before 2 out (where he made a mistake) but finding little on the run-in. He may still be learning at this stage.

ELLE EST BELLE (h136 here and previously) confirmed her useful Newbury form while not looking at home with the test she ended up facing, travelling comfortably enough in touch but tapped for toe and dropping to last after 3 out before rallying pretty well and third just a bit after the post. She has done well in a short time over hurdles and should fare even better back against her own sex.

I LIKE TO MOVE IT (h132 here, 138 previously) had it on under a penalty and was not good enough while shaping rather better than the result, leading briefly early and still well there until not fluent 2 out then weakening. He should have a future in handicaps (currently rated 138 officially).