Bob still knows his job as he battles to first victory for two seasons

Two years is a long time to go without a win for a horse with the talent Shantou Bob showed as a novice, but Warren Greatrex hopes things are on the up for the eight-year-old who once had serious Cheltenham Festival aspirations.

Injuries and wind problems have plagued him since he twice went close in Grade 2s, but a promising return at Newbury pointed to better and he followed that with a battling success in the 3m handicap hurdle here from decent yardstick Rolling Dylan.

Greatrex, who will send Cole Harden back over hurdles at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, said: “He was a good horse two years ago. He’s had his injuries and his wind isn’t great. He needs bottomless ground but he got away with it there.