ASCOT’S nine-race card, augmented by a couple of races carried over from Newbury the week before on account of Equine Influenza, was excellent almost from start to finish and could well end up having a major bearing on the Cheltenham Festival.

In addition to Cyrname, there was a really good Cheltenham Gold Cup trial from Clan Des Obeaux in the Betfair Denman Chase, and a major marker thrown down for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by Al Dancer in the Betfair Hurdle.