CHURCHSTONEWARRIOR (150) has progressed with each run over fences and promoted his chances in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham with his breakthrough win over the larger obstacles in the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase.

The early gallop was strong as Mahler Mission (150) employed the front-running tactics which brought him success over course and distance in January. An indication of the strength of the pace was the 6.7secs or 33-length advantage the Grade 2 field held over the handicappers through the final circuit.