With four to jump they were on schedule to run a rather moderate time, but from there they came home in just 68.27 seconds compared with the 74.60 seconds it took in the valuable Grade 3 BetBright Chase on the same card. Win machine Balder Succes (41) won the dash from four out, kicking into overdrive when initially it looked like Fox Appeal was going to hold on.

Balder Succes is a strong, rangy sort who has the build of a two and a half mile specialist. He’s shown he can be just as effective over two miles. The way he sustained his effort here makes me think that three miles in the King George next season is not entirely out of the question. If he hadn’t tipped up when looking sure to win at Cheltenham, Balder Succes would now have won six of the seven times he’s run over fixed brush hurdles or fences.