ALAN King would probably have regarded it as a near-perfect day anyway, with a Cheltenham treble backed up by 8/1 chance McCabe Creek winning the opening handicap hurdle at Doncaster in the hands of young stable conditional Jamie Insole.

However, there was still another ace in the pack as Ziga Boy, also 8/1, made light of a 15lb increase and took the featured Sky Bet Chase. Aachen made the running but Brendan Powell brought Ziga Boy level at the eleventh before pressing on strongly. Very game into the wind, the grey kept on willingly and held Coologue by just over three lengths. Arthur Moore’s Pass The Hat, racing wide, kept threatening to take a hand but an awkward leap late on cost him and he could finish only fourth. He is well worth another chance. The race was worth more than £45,000 to the winner and connections will not mind a steep increase again next time.

VANITEUX

Willie Mullins wondered later on if his horses had travelled over satisfactorily. Odds-on shot Morning Run could finish only third in the Grade 2 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle won by Brian Ellison’s Smart Talk, while 11/8 favourite Shaneshill looked well below par in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase, beating only one home.

Victory went to Nicky Henderson’s Vaniteux, who gradually wore down Arzal and kept on gamely for Nico de Boinville. The ground had dried out and he recorded a very good rime, prompting some firms to make him 8/1 second favourite behind Douvan for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

Ben Pauling’s Barters Hill ground out a hard-working win at 4/7 in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. He did it the hard way from in front for David Bass and looked all out to hold 28/1 chance Ballydine but this showed he stays three miles well and the same sponsor’s big novice event at the festival looks right for him. Even so, there is certainly no need to step in at 7/2 at this stage.

Murphy wins at Wolverhampton

Castlecomer trainer Pat Murphy clearly knows a good opportunity when he sees one and his filly Fairy Foxglove, modest enough but perfectly genuine, won the opening amateur riders’ sprint handicap at Wolverhampton on Monday. Raised 5lb for winning over even furlongs here, Fairy Foxglove benefited from Mr Simon Walker’s expert handling on this return visit and, after briefly looking held, stayed on willingly to beat Pancake Day, delighting those more than happy to play at a very solid 11/10.