Expert Analysis

A good handicap though it can be questioned as to whether it truly deserved a Grade 2 status with nothing rated above 149 going into the race and just 5 turning up. The pace set by Sans Bruit was a bit on the steady side, as reflected by the winner’s 56.64s final 4f (102.2% finishing speed) on this uphill finish. Overall, the ground looked to be borderline Good to Firm on the chase course (on which only 2 races and a walkover took place) if a bit easier than that on the hurdles track.

JPR ONE (c154 here, 149 previously) is a good operator at this sort of level, possessing plenty of toe even by two-miling standards, and he took this readily for all that the runner-up might have given him more to think about another day. Tracking the pace taking a bit of a hold, he led and was a bit awkward 2 out quickened on approaching the last and was pushed out vigorously as the second closed.

DJELO (c151 here, 148 previously) starts the season on a decent mark and shaped encouragingly, held up last but in touch initially, making headway before 4 out but briefly tapped for toe at the next before finally ridden after the last and closing all the way to the line. There was little between his form at 16f and 20f last season, no extra late on when third in the Turners at the Cheltenham Festival at the latter trip.

SANS BRUIT (c134 here, 138 previously) was close to form ridden from the front, making a few small errors and no extra after headed 2 out, shaping reasonably well. He is not in need of further than 16f at present.

SCARFACE (c115 here, 133 previously) was below form again, the first in trouble but in touch until 4 out.

ETALON (c112+ here, 141 previously) shaped as if needing the run, close up and travelling well enough until shaken up 4 out, making a mistake there and again when weakening at the next.