A meaningful contest, even though one or two failed to give their running and the pace was notably slow mid-race (20 lengths slower than the bumper in the back straight, leading to a 109% finishing speed), Vauban posting an effort only a little behind those of recent winners of this race Quilixios (150), Sir Erec (151) and Mr Adjudicator (149), the first-named going on to win a Triumph Hurdle, for which Vauban seems well-equipped.
VAUBAN (h147 here, 145+ previously) had achieved plenty (more than I, for one, appreciated at the time!) at Punchestown on his only previous hurdles start when running Pied Piper close, possibly a little unlucky in the process, having been a 12f Listed winner in France before that, and he won this well enough to suggest he has improved for the experience, too, as good a prospect as any for the Triumph Hurdle after this. He jumped a bit to his right, and was slow at the fifth, but came there going well before quickening on between the last 2, fluent when it mattered at the last then hit with the whip a couple of times before nudged out. He could go far at this game.
FIL DOR (h143 here and previously) lost his unbeaten record but little credit in the process, his previous wins having been in rather muddling affairs against lesser rivals than the one he met here. He raced close up, led 2 out but could not match the winner soon after and was a length down when making a mistake at the last, keeping on again. He should stay further.
IL ETAIT TEMPS (h139+ here, unraced previously) ran remarkably well, having failed to win in just 2 starts in bumpers beforehand, and he should be winning races in this sphere before long. He was held up going well but novicey at a couple, closed 2 out and kept on again for pressure after the more experienced first 2 quickened better.
THE TIDE TURNS (h136 here, 130+ previously) put up a useful effort, as he had in beating HMS Seahorse at Punchestown on his only previous hurdling outing (fairly useful 12f AW winner for Sir Mark Prescott), in touch and still with a chance until fading on the run-in.
ICARE ALLEN (h134+ here and previously) might not be much behind the first 2 another day, looking that good despite having made mistakes until weakening and awkward at the last. He had won a bumper in France before his workmanlike success at a short price here over Christmas.
BEN SIEGEL (h118 here, 127 previously) found this beyond him at this stage, outpaced after 2 out, but should make an impact back in less exalted company.
SIX FEET APART (h103 here, 119 previously) faced a much stiffer task and came up well short
VADALY (h98+ here, ? previously) won her only hurdle in France before this but shaped as if needing her first run in 175 days after racing freely.
SCENIC LOOK (h97 here, 113 previously)
