AUX Ptits Soins, whose name means taking care of the little things, showed himself more than capable of taking care of the opening Grade 3 Gaskells Handicap Hurdle, as well. Formerly with Paul Nicholls, the nine-year-old (11/1) has won two out of four since moving to Dan Skelton and fairly ran away with this after quickening clear between the last two flights. He was ridden by Harry Skelton, whose girlfriend Bridget Andrews was on stable-companion and runner-up Tommy Rapper, giving the stable a notable one-two.

The gap between graded and top handicap form was underlined by Ben Pauling’s Kildisart, 8/1, who followed his very fair fourth in the JLT at Cheltenham with a five-length victory over Mister Malarky in the Grade 3 Betway Handicap Chase. Daryl Jacob always had the winner nicely placed behind the leaders and took it up soon after two out. Kildisart appreciated the extra distance of three miles and a furlong and did extremely well to defy top weight of 11st 12lb in style.