'There is no better feeling' - relentless Stag Horn delights Scholfield

Saturday: Warwick

You could not wipe the smile off Nick Scholfield's face after Stag Horn produced a relentless front-running display to land the Grade 2 Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle for trainer Archie Watson.

Watson is best known for his Flat exploits, including Group 1 success with Glen Shiel, but the Lambourn trainer has an impressive strike-rate over jumps and now has a potential Cheltenham Festival contender in this Sir Martyn and Ben Arbib-owned five-year-old.

Stag Horn boasts a triple-figure rating on the Flat and is clearly highly talented over jumps, being introduced into the Albert Bartlett betting at 16-1 and Ballymore at 20-1 by Paddy Power after his two-length victory.

Scholfield said: "It was a really tough performance as I asked him a lot of questions and not every horse can pull out more and more. When horses do that, there is no better feeling really.

"I thought I was going a hell of a gallop, but even when I sent him on three out he kept responding. He just wants to please."

Regarding the prospect of Stag Horn running at Cheltenham, Scholfield said: "Archie knows what he's doing, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't turn up."

Smart prospect

Threeunderthrufive teed up a free-flowing evening in Barbados for connections by landing the Hampton Novices' Chase, with the Brown Advisory rather than the National Hunt Chase suggested to be a likely target at the Cheltenham Festival.

Owner Max McNeill and trainer Paul Nicholls were set to wine and dine on their holidays on Saturday evening, celebrating an authoritative win from the seven-year-old in the Grade 2.

Wigley Group, sponsors of the Hampton, have offered a £25,000 bonus if Threeunderthrufive goes on to win a novice chase at the big meeting – a first incentive of its kind offered at Warwick.

Threeunderthrufive (Adrian Heskin) puts in a big leap as he wins the 3m Hampton Novices' ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Paddy Power cut the Adrian Heskin-ridden winner to 16-1 (from 25-1) for the Brown Advisory and 6-1 (from 8-1) for the National Hunt Chase.

Iain Turner, racing manager to McNeill, said: "Max and Paul are out for dinner in Barbados this evening – if he'd got beat it would have been evens each of two as to who would have cancelled first, but they'll have a good night now.

"He'll have entries for the Brown Advisory and National Hunt Chase, but I'd think we'll go for the former as he's not short of speed and his times compare favourably."

Hat-trick hero

History did not repeat itself in the Alder Demain & Akers PMS Oxford Edward Courage Cup as Brave Seasca made all to beat last year's winner Sky Pirate by seven lengths.

Sky Pirate landed the handicap chase en route to striking in the Grand Annual last term, and Brave Seasca, who sealed a hat-trick in just over five weeks, was introduced into the betting for the Cheltenham Festival contest at 16-1 by Betfair Sportsbook.

Top sport

Sporting John was halved in price to 8-1 favourite (from 16-1) for the Pertemps and shortened to 16-1 (from 40-1) for the Stayers' Hurdle after securing a second win in three hurdle starts this term in the Pertemps qualifier.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more from Saturday's action:

Cheltenham targets for 'proper horse' Cobblers Dream after Lanzarote heroics

Eclair Surf makes all in Classic Chase romp for Emma Lavelle

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