THE Ultima Handicap Chase was, by contrast, steadily-run for long enough that it resulted in the fastest relative finish of the day (105% finishing speed).

The Conditional needed to improve only a little from his Ladbrokes Trophy second to De Rasher Counter to come out on top, back at what is just about his ideal distance, and has a base timefigure of 137 upgraded to 144 on account of that fast finish.

However, Kildisart (155 sectional rating), Discorama (151), top-weighted Vinndication (159), Big River (146) and Cobra De Mai (138) all emerged with plenty of credit also in a race that can be expected to throw up a few winners.

That last remark also applies to the Listed Novices’ Handicap Chase won by Imperial Aura in a particularly good time for the grade. Figures of 155 and 152 on him and Galvin (both including a few pounds’ boost for strong finishes) could prove to be conservative given that they pulled nicely clear of some in-form rivals.

The National Hunt Challenge Cup can seem somewhat anomalous over its marathon distance (reduced a bit further this year) and for amateur riders, but its recent winners have measured up quite well and Ravenhill looks as good as most of them.

He and Lord Du Mesnil, who had smart and solid handicapping form to his name coming into this race, forged clear late on and Ravenhill gradually got on top to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Splits show that Lord Du Mesnil had got at least a couple of breathers along the way, which accounts for a finishing speed of just under 105%. As a result, Ravenhill’s 148 base timefigure goes up to 153, while Lord Du Mesnil is on 150.

The latter is one of the better-handicapped horses in the Grand National at Aintree on 4th April, if that indeed takes place there and then, though he needed treatment after Tuesday’s race and is more likely to have a break until next season.