HOME By The Lee (140+) continued his progression as a staying hurdler with victory in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle, however the clock suggests the performance of Maxxum (150+) in the Pertemps Qualifier was the better on the day.

The overall race time difference of 4.1secs between the winners narrowed to 1.5secs over the final circuit, although Maxxum asserted his superiority through the closing stages and was the quicker from the second last, covering the ground in 48.1secs, compared to the 49.2secs it took Joseph O’Brien’s gelding to complete his race.

Another substantial rise in the weights is sure to be heading the way of Gordon Elliott’s handicapper who now heads the market and looks the one to beat in the final.

However, if his trainer was tempted to step up to Grade 1 company at Cheltenham a repeat of this impressive performance would see him competitive.

The opening maiden hurdle appears an above average contest as Deep Cave (130+) required the fastest closing sectional of the day to run down Lot Of Joy (130) after the final hurdle.

Quickest

Henry de Bromhead’s five-year-old stopped the clock at 45.2secs for his closing split, in doing so registering the quickest final circuit over the smaller obstacles.

Firm Footings (128) faded in the final 50yds after striking for home first of the principals although still finished off his race in 46.3secs which was faster than the other winners on the day, while Canal End (117+) caught the eye closing off well from midfield.