NAAS did its bit to lift the pre-Cheltenham torpor on Sunday, when Sutton Place won the listed novice hurdle and Sub Lieutenant landed the Grade 3 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase.

It could be argued that the true significance of the former race – in which the winner posted an unremarkable 127 timefigure – was in the defeat of the front two in the market, Gurteen and Attribution, who filled the last two places. The pair had each been second to Min in earlier appearances, with Attribution doing so just the start before. The likelihood is that both were a long way from their best but backers of Min for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle doubtless hoped to see something better.

The win of Sub Lieutenant stands more on its own four hooves as he got off the mark in style with a 142-timefigure that is all the more meritorious given the race resulted in something of a sprint finish (much faster from three out than the other two chases on the card).

A figure of 142 would be likely to get you only a supporting role in a novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival – for which Sub Lieutenant has not been entered anyway – but there should be other good pickings to be had elsewhere.