MASTER Debonair entered the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle picture with an impressive win in the Kennel Gate at Ascot.
Colin Tizzard’s improving youngster was given a well-judged ride on the front by Robbie Power, earning quotes of 20-1 for the Cheltenham Festival opener.
The six-year-old, who was carrying a 3lb penalty, jumped and travelled sweetly throughout on the heavy ground.
But well-backed favourite Ribble Valley was far too keen in the hands of Brian Hughes and he was still tugging at the reins on the approach to the straight.
Those antics told in the closing stages as Master Debonair extended his advantage over the final two obstacles, surviving a scruffy leap at the last to win by eight lengths.
Tizzard said: He looked to me to be a better horse today than he was last time. He won equally as well and he was hardly blowing.
He is a beautiful young horse. I dont think the 3lb penalty he was carrying was going to make a difference he was either going to be good enough or he wasnt.
He will have one more run and then go for the Supreme. There has been talk about running him in a handicap, but I would love to keep him in novices this season and keep him fresh for Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown.
Nicky Richards was not downhearted by the defeat of rising star Ribble Valley, who he reckons would prefer a sounder surface.
Richards said: “He was too full of beans and gas and he paid for that from the second last.
“Even at the third last he was still tanking. In general he is a very good jumper and he is still gaining in experience. He’s got some engine.”
Earlier in the day, Angels Breath made it 2-2 over fences when beating sole rival Mont Des Avaloirs in the Grade 2 Noel Novices Chase.
But Nicky Henderson’s smart grey was found to have picked up an injury after the race.
Henderson said: “He has a cut on the back of his tendon on his off-fore. We will get it cleaned up, wrap it and get him home.
“It’s such a shame, he hadn’t put a foot wrong all the way round.”
