THE only graded race in Ireland in the period under review was the Grade 2 novice hurdle at Navan won by Ashdale Bob (141) in a time similar to that recorded by Jukebox Jive (140) when scoring by 12 lengths in a handicap a bit later and much quicker than the other two 20-furlong hurdles.

Bob Olinger remains on 135, courtesy of his second at Gowran Park to the now-sidelined Ferny Hollow, but did not have to run at all fast (only about 90) to land prohibitive odds in the maiden hurdle.

Percy Warner (142) and Flanking Maneuver (143) ran surprisingly fast given a steady earlier pace when coming clear in the two-mile maiden hurdle, the former’s time proving to be just 3.4s slower than that recorded by Sir Gerhard in the listed bumper that wrapped up proceedings.

Cheltenham standard

That is partly a reflection of the fact that the bumper also turned into something of a sprint (finishing speed of over 110%, though it’s difficult to judge distances at this course), something that Sir Gerhard proved very well equipped to deal with.

Nonetheless, Sir Gerhard ran to 136 after sectionals are worked in, and his Down Royal win is now on 145, good enough to win a Champion Bumper at Cheltenham as often as not.

Runner-up Letsbeclearboutit remains a good prospect on 133.

Billaway (136) was a convincing winner of the hunter chase at Down Royal on Thursday, a performance – backed up by the clock – which suggests he is at least as good as when second in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham in March.

Useful Gauloise

Gauloise continues to look a useful prospect following her listed mares’ novice hurdle win at Thurles on Sunday, but the principals were quite bunched and this can be rated no higher than 130 on time.

Light wins

Irish mare Magic Of Light did not have to be near her 156 best to beat two rivals in a listed mares’ chase at Newbury last Wednesday, a card which also featured debut wins over hurdles for the juvenile Goodbye Stranger (129) and the well-touted Lecale’s Article. The latter ran the extended two miles over 4.0s slower than the former but gets a 125 rating on the back of sectionals.

There were impressive successes at Haydock on Saturday for Chti Balko (150) and Cheddleton (148), and useful handicap ones for Alberts Back and Sam’s Adventure (both 139), as well as a listed mares’ novice hurdle victory for Nada To Prada (124).

Easily pick of the flat races was the Quebec Stakes at Lingfield, a listed race but more like a strong Group 3 in quality. Sangarius ran a time of about 96 in edging out Bangkok (who he hampered) and Dubai Warrior, but the trio are all worth ratings of between 114 and 116 on their days.