MIGHTY Potter (158+) cemented his position at the head of the market for the Turners Novice Chase with a polished performance in the Grade 1 Ladbroke Novices Chase.

Davy Russell was quick to shoulder the blame for the only jumping blemish, which occurred down the side of the course, as taking a lead for the majority of the race saw the six-year-old produce a much-improved display at his fences.

Admittedly the pace was slower than the handicap later on, although the jumping accuracy was maintained when the pace lifted through the closing stages.

In similar fashion to Galopin Des Champs and El Fabiolo the previous day, Gordon Elliott’s gelding stretched clear after the final fence to win convincingly.

In the process he clocked a closing sectional of 63.0secs, which was 1.4secs quicker than fellow Grade 1 winner Gentleman De Mee.

Adamantly Chosen (149), who ran to a similar rating as when beating Visionarian at Punchestown, was best of the Closutton quintet as he picked up the pieces for second as Gaillard Du Mesnil (147) experienced a rare off day by his normal high standards.