ASCOT welcomed back the jumpers for a competitive card last Saturday, with Quite By Chance running the best timefigure (142) in winning the Listed Byrne Group Handicap Chase and Sternrubin nearly as fast (134) when making all in the Listed William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

Sternrubin is a tough horse to pass when on song, as here, but he was helped by the run of the race on this occasion, nicking several lengths at the start and only occasionally challenged thereafter.

Third-placed Modus, who was still last turning in, comes out best on sectionals and could well be winning again soon.

On the same card, Antony gained a Grade 3 win in the Sodexo Gold Cup, but in a modest overall time and with a faster finish than for either of the chases run at shorter distances. This was another race which helped those - like the winner - who raced handily.

It is hardly surprising to discover that the Listed Intermediate Chase at Carlisle’s Sunday meeting won by Seeyouatmidnight also resulted in an unexceptional timefigure (130) and a fast finish, given that there were only two runners. The novice chase over the same course and distance won by Gurkha Brave earlier on the card was quicker overall, though fully 6.0s slower from three out.

Time analysts will be feeling their way at present with Hereford, which reopened recently after a four-year break. But the signs are that Whataknight - the winner of a maiden chase there on Monday by a distance - will be at least as good over larger obstacles as smaller. I make this effort worth a 138 timefigure.

This Tuesday’s Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter looks solid form, with a sound pace and a decent overall time. Sir Valentino edged out Garde La Victoire, but the latter was carrying 4 lb more. I have timefigures of 154 and 158 respectively, with third-placed Dodging Bullets (who ran as if in need of the race) on 155.

Those are smart figures, but the connections of Douvan and Sprinter Sacre will not be losing any sleep at this stage.