WITH all the talk of Total Recall, there is a chance that the performance that Alpha Des Obeaux put up in finishing second to him has gone a little under the radar.

Mouse Morris’ horse ran a massive race to take the runner-up spot. Time may prove that he faced a nigh impossible task, trying to concede a stone and 2lb to the winner. As it was, he put up a fair fight, and he came well clear of the third horse, the talented Phil’s Magic. It is rock solid form.

A 7lb hike for the Gigginstown House horse for getting beaten looks harsh on the face of it but you can understand it. Also, it brings him up to a mark of just 152, which is still 3lb lower than his rating over hurdles and 6lb lower than his peak rating over hurdles.

The Saddler Maker gelding probably didn’t reach the heights last year as a staying novice chaser that his hurdling career promised but this was a bright start to his sophomore year. He is still just seven years old, trainer Mouse Morris has his horses in good form and he will be of interest wherever he goes next. He is another for whom the Hennessy/Ladbroke would be a legitimate target.