Huntingdon Sunday

DESPITE an excellent entry, the Grade 2 Fitzdares Peterborough Chase, which included a lucrative bonus should the winner go on to land the King George and Gold Cup, was a disappointing affair, won in typically gutsy style by the well-established Top Notch (Nicky Henderson/Daryl Jacob), who was adding to his 2017 victory in the race when it was transferred to Taunton. (Jacob unfortunately broke his hand at Musselburgh on Thursday.)

The son of Poliglote - a well-supported 15/8 market leader - was wearing a tongue tie for the first time since his days with Guillaume Macaire, and found plenty having not travelled as well as market rival La Bague Au Roi (Warren Greatrex/Richard Johnson), and was making it two from two for the season after scoring in a listed hurdle at Aintree last month.

Sounder surface

La Bague Au Roi jumped really well back on a sounder surface after flopping at Wetherby on her return, but she could not sustain her effort when challenged, and fading into third behind 100/1 shot Kauto Riko (Tom Gretton/David Noonan) cannot be deemed a return to form despite her showing better signs.

Kauto Riko travelled notably well through the race, and finished with a flourish to suggest he could pick up a nice prize, but his prospects depend on what the handicapper makes of this, and his mark could suffer if the distance beaten is taken literally.