BALDER Succes, who was no match for an in-form Special Tiara over Christmas, made amends in sparkling style in the Listed williamhill.com Chase over the extended two and half miles. Seemingly suited by the small field, he faced only two rivals and drew right away in the straight to beat Fox Appeal by 10 lengths with Hunt Ball eased down in third.

Hunt Ball, now with Nicky Henderson after a colourful career under different ownership, led for most of the way and gave a good account of himself until Balder Succes and Wayne Hutchinson took control with three to jump.

From then on it was plain sailing for Alan King’s even-money favourite and, in this sort of form, he looks a very useful performer.

“That will have helped his confidence and this is definitely his trip because over two miles he was taking three of four fences to warm to the task,” the trainer said. “If he needs another run it will probably be Ascot in February, otherwise he goes straight for the Ryanair.”

KENNEDY STARS

Will Kennedy is not the best-known jockey in the weigh-room but certainly enjoyed a red-letter day last Saturday, completing a 90/1 double as Lost Legend just outpointed Cold March in the two and a half mile handicap chase and Ardkilly Witness followed up over three miles, again over the larger obstacles.

Jonjo O’Neill is gradually returning to form and Lost Legend, relatively unfancied at 12/1, showed great determination when short-heading Cold March with Key To The West only a head behind in a tremendous finish.

It was another short-head verdict as Ardkilly Witness, trained by Dr Richard Newland, took full advantage of Masters Hill jumping left at the last and losing the better part of a length.

Noel Fehily drove him back into contention but Kennedy was at his strongest and just held on. Ardkilly Witness seemed to benefit from the application of a tongue-tie with the visor left off.

Fehily may have lost out on Masters Hill but he is still in excellent form and was another to complete a double as even-money favourite Kingscourt Native easily landed the novices’ hurdle and 4/1 joint-favourite Sleepy Haven took the closing handicap.