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.’’