BOOTHILL (153+) paid a huge compliment to Jonbon as he produced a rapid closing sectional to win the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase in the hands of an ice-cool Jonathan Burke.

The overall race time compared well with Desert Orchid Chase winner Editeur Du Gite (148) as novices posted a time 1.0sec quicker than their more experienced counterparts.

The final-circuit analysis sees the difference extending to 3.0secs, although the races were run in contrasting fashion as Gary Moore’s nine-year-old put his field to the sword in the back straight, while Boothill covered the ground from the last fence in 67.0secs, compared to the 71.1secs taken by Editeur Du Gite. Aucunrisque (153) emerged from the novice chase with his reputation enhanced and he can gain compensation at the same level when the emphasis is on speed.

Chepstow

Welsh Grand National day at Chepstow was as usual rain effected, although not before Fugitif (148) posted the performance of the day over fences.

Richard Hobson’s gelding assumed control of the race at the fourth last before coasting to victory, covering the final circuit a staggering 10.6secs quicker than Super Survivor (137).

The handicap chase on Trials Day at Cheltenham would seem the most obvious next target.

Cheltenham

The Real Whacker (158) produced an exhibition round of jumping at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day to have Patrick Neville justifiably dreaming of Festival glory.

The overall race time was 4.3secs quicker than achieved by Midnight River in the following handicap which alone would be significant.

However, with the final circuit advantage stretching to 6.2secs the conclusion drawn is the seven-year-old is worth his place in a Grade 1 contest at the festival.

Furthermore, any suspicion he was slowing at the finish is ruled out as the superiority over Midnight River (150) is confirmed by the closing sectional from the fourth-last fence being 2.2secs quicker.

Marie’s Rock (150+) made her seasonal debut in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle, proving too strong at the finish for her race fit rivals.

The dual Grade 1-winning mare covered the final circuit 4.7secs quicker than Hector Javilex (135+) while at the same extending her advantage over Weveallbeencaught (125) from 5.1secs on the overall race time to 6.1secs.

Although no match for the winner, Dashel Drasher (144) proved tough to pass when challenged by First Street (144) and looks primed to return to Lingfield for the Fleur De Lys Chase.

Juniper (132+), Tuesday, December 27th, Wetherby – jumped her rivals into submission to complete the hat-trick in style, she remains ahead of the handicapper.

Moon Hunter (130+), Thursday, December 29th, Doncaster – combined the fastest overall time and final circuit to make it two from two over hurdles for his in-form handler.

Tyger Bay (100), Saturday, December 31st, Lingfield – ran a career-best time figure to make it three wins from four over six furlongs at Lingfield.