MOST of the Grade 1s over first two days of Cheltenham were underwhelming in terms of competitiveness; while State Man, Lossiemouth, Ballyburn and Fact To File are very good horses, none faced any adversity in winning their respective races, short-priced punters enjoying a comfortable watch throughout.

Thankfully, the competitiveness ratcheted up on the Thursday and Friday, with Galopin Des Champs providing the signature performance of the meeting.