PAUL Nicholls won the first two races and will be eyeing the Triumph Hurdle itself after Quel Destin’s game victory in the Grade 2 trial which opened proceedings.

Impressive at Kempton last time, the French-bred was given a handy lead by Nicky Henderson’s Never Adapt, who was keen to post and again during the race. She was collared by Alan King’s Cracker Factory with two to jump but Quel Destin (100/30), none too fluent at that flight, joined issue and stayed on the better under Harry Cobden to score by just over a length with Never Adapt rallying in third.

The disappointment was Jane Williams’ 9/4 favourite Montestrel, who had beaten the winner at Chepstow. He was 4lbs worse off this time but, even so, did not give his running.

“He’s tough and he stays very well but I’d like to run him on softer ground to bring his stamina into play,” the trainer said. “He’s likely to go to Doncaster for the Summit Hurdle next month and we’ll see after that, but he’ll have to have a rest at some point.”

IBIS DOUBLES UP

Nicholls and Cobden were quickly on the mark again when the seven-year-old Ibis Du Rheu, with time still on his side after various problems, wore down Theatre Territory in the three-mile novices’ chase.Warren Greatrex’s mare did everything right, jumping well in the lead and quickening after the 12th, but Ibis Du Rheu, an 11/2 chance, was always tracking her and looked dangerous between the last two. Cobden switched him left and took over on the run-in to score by a length. Even-money favourite The Worlds End could only keep on steadily in third.

“He’s a very strong stayer but he also has pace,” said winning owner John Hales. “He’s had niggling problems and this is the best we’ve had him in two years. The National could be a target down the line.”