Not a typical edition of the race in that there was a double-figure field and it looked relatively open. Although the pace was pretty steady, an impressive winner emerged, with the strongly-backed mare #Epatante putting herself firmly in the Champion Hurdle picture. Epatante has done nothing but impress since joining Nicky Henderson, a blip in the mares' novice at last year's festival aside, but she's now firmly in the conversation for the Champion Hurdle. A taking winner from a mark of 137 at Newbury on reappearance, she was thrown in against some established Grade 1 performers here but there was nothing but confidence in her from those connected and she proved quite the gamble. Always going strongly, she was going much the best two out and pinged the last before racing clear. Improving fast, she promises to be even better suited by a truly run 2m and it's not hard to see why Paddy Power now have her at 7-2 and disputing favouritism for the big race in March.
#SilverStreak, third in last year's Champion Hurdle, failed to run to his best in the Fighting Fifth last time but this was more like it and he can be used as a reliable guide to the form. He could have done with a stronger gallop an will presumably continue to take his chance in the top hurdle races.
#Ballyandy, just denied by Cal Me Lord in the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, again ran well but failed to make it enough of a test to bring his stamina into play. He also tended to shift left at his hurdles, but dropping to 2m seems to have suited him of late and returning to a stiffer track will suit.
#VerdanaBlue, who toppled stablemate Buveur D'Air in the race 12 months ago, has since done pretty well on the Flat but the ground had gone against her this time around and, despite briefly moving into contention going okay, she couldn't match her stablemate in the straight.
#Ch'tibello was unable to run to International form with the third, although the race wouldn't have been run to suit him.
Quick Grabim, a Grade 1-winner for Willie Mullins, finished well beaten on this stable debut, although it was a tough ask.
Elixir De Nutz has failed to shine in two starts since returning from an absence, although the way he was eased down here suggests something may have been amiss.
Getaway Trump, back hurdling after twice coming up short over fences, also had a first-time tongue-tie fitted but it made little difference and he dropped away disappointingly.
Big Blue, a classy sort both on the Flat and over jumps in Australia, is being aimed at the Champion Hurdle but showed little on this first British run. Perhaps better ground will help.
Fusil Raffles, 3-3 previously since joining Nicky Henderson and a Grade 1 winner at Punchestown last spring, eased in the betting as strong support came for his stablemate Epatante and, following a less-than-fluent jump three out, he was quickly beaten rounding the final bend. Racing keenly may have taken a toll, but it's more likely something was amiss. [Mark Brown]
QUOTES: Epatante was impressive wasn't she? I've even got to admit it myself, it was very good. We came straight from the Gerry Feilden, I wanted to go to Ascot but it's a good job we didn't. JP (McManus, owner) always wanted to come here and he got it right. He must've had more faith than me. I thought she was our best chance at Cheltenham last year but she didn't run her race. She did everything right up until then, and has done everything right up until now. She's lovely, has a great temperament and has a good attitude - Nicky Henderson, trainer.
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