Nichols Canyon success has a rock-solid look

Nichols Canyon jumps the last alongside Lil RockerfellerCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

The Stayers' Hurdle didn't quite produce the fireworks of Thistlecrack last year, but a really solid renewal ended with Nichols Canyon (169) powering home to deny the gallant Lil Rockerfeller (169).

The winner’s previous best figures (166) had all been posted at around two miles, but the 2015 winner Cole Harden (163) ensured this was a proper test of stamina and a winning time around ten seconds quicker than that clocked by Pertemps Hurdle winner Presenting Percy confirms this.

Unowhatimeanharry: a couple of pounds below his bestCredit: Mark Cranham

That said, Cole Harden had posted a time around nine seconds quicker again in 2015 and, although officially good on both occasions, there was clearly more juice in the ground yesterday.

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Steve MasonSenior handicapper

Published on 16 March 2017inReports

Last updated 17:49, 16 March 2017

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