THE open division has certainly been bolstered this season by the addition of track recruit Diese Des Bieffes (119++) after he took apart a quality field which included former Cheltenham Foxhunters victor It Came To Pass and the 140-rated track performer Fils D’Oudairies.

The eight-year-old did have the advantage of recent race fitness as a change in tactics to his recent Monksgrange success saw him set a strong tempo with only Fils D’Oudairies looking to lie up with him. However, he was soon faltering and Diese Des Bieffes powered clear in a particularly impressive display. He could have a big season ahead.