WHATEVER slim chance Sam Twiston-Davies had of pressing Richard Johnson in the jockeys’ title race, it disappeared when he damaged his spleen a few weeks ago.

In any case, the reigning champion continues in unstoppable form and on Saturday at Chepstow he completed a splendid four-timer.

Three of the four were saddled by Philip Hobbs. Lamb Or Cod won the Coral Welsh Grand National Trial at 6/1 but is not entered for the marathon over nearly a mile further, which Hobbs believes would be too severe a test for him after a serious leg injury.

Sykes also won over the extended two miles, seven furlongs, while Atirelarigo set the ball rolling in another chase over two miles, three.

Rebecca Curtis is enjoying a splendid run and the prolific Geordie Des Champs won another novices’ hurdle. He is expected to step up in class for the Challow Hurdle at Newbury but had to be driven out by Johnson to repel Wylde Magic by three-quarters of a length and justify even money.

Harden disappoints

ASSUMING that classy hurdlers will be as effective over fences is always risky. The 2015 World Hurdle winner Cole Harden made his chasing debut in the Constant Security Services Novices’ Chase at Wetherby but proved no match for Dan Skelton’s Its’Afreeebee, who was conceding him 7lb after a victory at humble Fakenham but readily went seven lengths clear for Ian Popham after the pair had dominated.

Cole Harden has time on his side at seven and jumped adequately but it will concern Warren Greatrex that he was short of pace. His next outing will be most informative.

Henderson’s Hill at Huntingdon

NICKY Henderson’s rewarding weekend continued when Josses Hill came clear in the valuable Grade 2 Betfred Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday.

The 7/4 favourite jumped well for Noel Fehily, made all and came home six lengths clear of Tea For Two. Jonjo O’Neill’s More Of That performed better this time but was well held in third, followed by former Champion Chase victor Dodging Bullets.

“He’s getting it together now and good ground is crucial for him,” Henderson observed.

“He’s not in the King George, though going right-handed would help, and the obvious race is the Betfair Ascot Chase in February.”