PAUL Nicholls continues to saddle a steady stream of winners, often with horses not necessarily booked for Cheltenham. He completed a treble on this card, the highlight being Cyrname’s ultimately easy triumph in the Grade 2 Betdaq Now 2% Commission Pendil Novices’ Chase over the extended two and a half miles.

However, those who risked serious money at 2/5 had a heart-stopping moment four out, where Sean Bowen lost his irons after a bad blunder and was nearly on the floor. He recovered extremely well and was soon well in control again, passing the post 11 lengths ahead of The Unit in a four-runner field.

SUMMER

“He’s all about next year,” Nicholls said. “A good summer on his back will do him the world of good and he’ll be a lovely horse for the big races. He won’t go to Cheltenham and if there’s another race for him this season it may well be the Future Champions Novices’ Chase at Ayr.”

Unusually, all three winners were for the same owner, Johnny de la Hay. Favorito Buck’s took the handicap chase over the same trip and Danny Kirwan landed the last, earning a 10/1 quote for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Sam Twiston-Davies rode him with Harry Cobden on Favorito Buck.

NOVICE

Jean Bishop had her first winner of the season when 12/1 chance Kings Walk, another for Cobden, landed the opening handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs, shrugging off a 112-day absence.

“We wanted to save his novice status over fences until next year and that’s the plan,” Colin Tizzard said.

Fergal O’Brien continues to enjoy an excellent campaign and 8/1 shot Master Dee came home a clear-cut winner of the Grade 3 Betdaq Handicap Chase in the hands of Barry Geraghty.