EASILY best winning time over fences on the opening day came not in the Arkle, as might be imagined, but in the Ultima Handicap Chase, in which Un Temps Pour Tout defied top-weight and the attentions of a notably well-treated novice in Singlefarmpayment to win for the second year running and register a 162 figure.

That is borderline Cheltenham Gold Cup quality from a horse who had been every bit as good over hurdles at his best. The sound nature of the pace in this year’s race can be illustrated by the fact that the leader got to five out in a near-identical time to 12 months before, despite softer ground and a 2.8s slower overall time in this instance.