Nicky Henderson was pleased with the return of his impressive Cheltenham Festival first and had good news on Epatante
Four years and two days after Altior’s successful chasing debut at Kempton, his stable companion Shishkin produced a flawless round of jumping in the same beginners’ chase to launch his own career over fences, cruising to a 23-length defeat of Mick Pastor at odds of 1-6 which saw his price for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March cut to just 2-1.
Shishkin’s ante-post odds might seem short with more than three months to go until the Festival opens on 16 March, but Altior was the same price after beating Black Corton – subsequently a Grade One winner over fences – by 63 lengths on his chasing debut in November 2016 and went on to win the Arkle by six lengths as the 1-4 favourite.
Related: Talking Horses: home straight fence at Kempton 'burned down' by arsonists
Lingfield
11.55 Four Mile Bridge 12.25 Puy Mary 12.55 Unforgiving Minute 1.25 Millie's Angel 1.55 Mammasaidknockuout 2.25 Pastfact 2.55 Andonno 3.25 Hasty Sailor (nap)
Sedgefield
12.15 Hurricane Mitch 12.46 Cybalko 1.16 Skyhill 1.46 Minella Drama 2.16 Equus Dancer 2.46 Evita Du Mesnil 3.16 Tardree
Southwell
12.37 Coby Nine 1.07 Dubai Outlaw 1.37 Neon Moon 2.07 Tremwedge 2.37 Crystal Lad 3.07 Wheesht (nb) 3.37 First Revolution
Wolverhampton
4.00 Influence Is Power 4.30 Uncle Bryn 5.00 Highest Ambition 5.30 Alexej 6.00 Pop Dancer 6.30 Fair Star 7.00 Global Wonder 7.30 Word Of Honour 8.00 Red Allure