LEOPARDSTOWN 14:30 4vb5o

Non Runners: DADDY LONG LEGS (FR). Hurdles: 9.

Time: 3m 45.2s Closing Sectional: (5.4f): 77.6s (97.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 101.9%

On the face of things a top-class effort from Brighterdaysahead, who took her record over Champion Hurdler State Man to 2 wins from as many starts this season, though that rival wasn't anywhere near his best this time and the unusual tactical element - the winner and same connections' front-running King of Kingsfield were clear from the outset and none of the others were ever involved - does provide grounds for some scepticism for all even a cautious view of the form has the winner running to a very high rating for a mare.

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (FR) improved further to record yet another top-level win, mightily impressive but also seen to very good effect, chasing her stable-companion a long way clear of the others and in no danger once taking over 2 out; chased leader, travelled well, jumped on 2 out, well clear last, ridden out; connections will surely be tempted by the Champion Hurdle now and she's obviously a major player even if the return of Constitution Hill makes that an altogether tougher task than it had been looking, the Irish Champion back at this track in February the obvious target in the meantime, and hopefully that'll be a more even race tactically to remove any lingering queries over her credentials as a mare of outstanding quality.

WINTER FOG (IRE) shaped similarly to last time, picking up the pieces again; dropped out, headway before last, went second flat, never a threat; a return to further will do him no harm.

STATE MAN (FR) underperformed when completing for the first time in his life, unsuited by the way things took shape tactically but below his best in any case, making hard work of getting into second at the last then losing that place on the flat; raced in third well behind the winner and King of Kingsfield, pushed along after 2 out, made no impression; the Irish Champion in February will give him a chance to set the record straight but he's in danger of losing some lustre from his exceptional overall record.

FILS D'OUDAIRIES (FR) faced a stiff task a year on from when last seen in this race and was never remotely in it.

KING OF KINGSFIELD (IRE) back over hurdles, ensured the perfect tactical set-up for the same connections' winner; forced pace, bad mistake 3 out, headed next, lost second last, weakened.

MYSTICAL POWER (IRE) without the hood this time, ran even worse than in the Fighting Fifth and now has a bit to prove; always right out the back.