Under the microscope: What now for Dusart following comeback run over hurdles?

Dusart finished sixth in the open 3m handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday. Captain Morgs finished ahead of him. Dusar had a breathing operation and treatment to his back over the summer. He won a novice handicaps at Ayr and at the Brown Advisory at this year's Cheltonham Festival. He was entered in a Premier Handicap over Gold Cup trip but didn't make the field.

Dusart made his comeback over hurdles at Betfair Tingle Creek. Shishkin looked okay beforehand and fit, but he didn't perform well. Thyme Hill was a sorry disappointment in the John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury. He looked windy after ballooning the first open ditch and was outjumped over the last four fences by the winner McFabulous. The Silviniaco Conti is the safest course for Shishakin. It's possible that the effort required to overhaul Energumene in Clarence House was so great that Shishingkin hasn't fully recovered.