DEFINITLY Red might have headed for the Listed Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster, so connections are no doubt delighted they had the courage of their convictions.

A tremendous finish saw Paul Nicholls’ Warriors Tale kicking on from four out but Wakanda, 8/1, not to be denied, came at him not once but twice and finally got up to win by a head. Nicky Henderson’s L’Ami Serge, a truly frightening price at 13/8 favourite under Davy Russell, kept staying on but never quite got there.

Wakanda, trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Henry Brooke, had not won since 2015 but is consistent enough and raced off a mark only 4lbs lower than that day.

Joint-owner Ray Scholey, whose best horse was Gold Cup runner-up Truckers Tavern, died a fortnight ago but the family turned out in force to welcome back the winner, whose plans do not include the Grand National.

Brooke had so nearly won the preceding Grade 2 olbg.com Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle, bringing Irish Roe with a sustained late challenge after the remarkably speedy Maria’s Benefit (10/11) had set up a clear lead.

The latter, who might have won by a furlong at Taunton, had Ciaran Gethings ridden her out, showed heart-warming determination to hold on in a pulsating finish.

Both of these splendid performers deserve a rest but winning trainer Stuart Edmunds has the mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham in mind. She would be looking for a six-timer in that and, if building up a lead on better ground, would take the world of catching.

SCEAU FOR THE ARKLE

Only four lined up for the Grade 2 Owlerton Sheffield Novices’ Chase and Alan King’s Sceau Royal justified 1/2 favouritism readily enough, moving through to challenge Shantou Rock and pulling clear by two lengths.

He was workmanlike rather than sparkling but is still on course for the Arkle, where the going price is around 5/1.

Not much has gone wrong for Nicky Henderson of late but 15/8 favourite Indian Hawk, a points winner and also successful on his Ludlow debut, was clearly amiss in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett River Don Novices’ Hurdle and trailed in last.

Victory went to Emma Lavelle’s 9/2 chance Enniscoffey Oscar, who just held Shannon Bridge in a driving finish. Both stay three miles well and there seems every reason to go for the Albert Bartlett.