THE Grade 1 action in Britain saw Jonbon (164+) cement his place at the head of the market for the Arkle, while Edwardstone (165+) delivered Alan King a very special success in the Tingle Creek Chase.

The Tingle Creek was slightly the quicker overall, although a comparison of the races on a split screen portrays the devastating speed with which Jonbon completed his race as he covered the ground from the Pond Fence in 38.7secs, which was 2.5secs, or seven lengths, quicker than runaway winner Edwardstone.

Although not in the same league as the two-mile chasers through the closing stages, the impression created by Quick Wave (144+) was supported by a good time figure over the three-and-a-half-mile trip.

Venetia Williams’ mare is now two-from-two since a wind operation and won with any amount in hand on Saturday. The Welsh National under a penalty may be a smart target.

Successful

Noble Yeats (165+) enjoyed another highly successful day on Merseyside as he threw his hat into the Gold Cup ring with a stunning finishing effort in the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase at Aintree.

The pace was strong in the formative stages of the race as Ahoy Senor (163) raced with his usual zest at the head of affairs, although his tendency to jump right cost him ground at each fence.

Dashel Drasher (163) ensured there was no let-up in the gallop, and it looked like the pair would contest the finish as the field crossed the second last fence. However, once Sean Bowen galvanised Noble Yeats to deliver his challenge the picture changed rapidly. The Grand National winner swept past his rivals between the last two fences, covering the ground between the obstacles in 19.2secs, which when compared to the 21.1secs clocked by Brave Seasca (148) over two and a half miles, was a stunning effort off such a strong pace.

The burst of speed contributed to the seven-year-old covering the ground from the cross-fence in 63.9secs, whilst his closest pursuers finished off their race in 65.0secs.

The substance to the finishing effort of all four is provided by Brave Seasca, although admittedly geared down, stopping the clock at 67.0secs.

Strong Leader (144+), Aintree, Saturday 5th December – as impressive on the clock as visually.

Enzo D’Airy (143), Chepstow, Saturday 5th December – returned after almost two years off the track to win in a good time.

Burrows Diamond (144), Wetherby, Saturday 5th December – appreciated the combination of three miles and soft ground to record a career best.