NIGEL Twiston-Davies’ Blaklion (9/4) came home 11 lengths clear of outsider Anteros in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over three miles. The winner was ridden by young Ryan Hatch, who was unable to claim his 5lb allowance in a graded race but took over from Jamie Moore, who fell heavily from No Buts in the big handicap chase. Tracking Paris Business and favourite Port Melon, Blaklion joined issue three out and quickly went clear when Port Melon stumbled. A prolific winner, he will surely be back for the same sponsor’s race in March.

“We hope he can go right to the top, that’s the dream,’’ Twiston-Davies said. “Ryan rides as well as anyone and the only problem with putting him up was that his claim wouldn’t count. The handicapper would have factored that in, not that there will be any handicaps now.’’

RUBY STILL ROCKING

Harry Fry’s former Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby is a still a sprightly performer at nine and made all for Noel Fehily in the closing Grade 2 Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle to beat the persistent Volnay De Thaix by just over two lengths.

In a four-runner race, Brother Brian finished a fair third but Lac Fontana was beaten a long way and contributed to Sam Twiston-Davies’ mixed day.

Rock On Ruby did not truly take to fences but retains his speed over hurdles. He picked off Brother Brian three out and was always going a shade too well for the runner-up, who seems to be somewhere between top handicap and conditions race class.

Rock On Ruby was stepping up to two and a half miles and may get three in the World Hurdle, though no horse older than nine has won since Crimson Embers in 1986.

This Relkeel Hurdle rounded off a splendid day, The New One having become the first horse since Relkeel himself to have recorded back-to-back wins in the International Hurdle.