Nicholls ace does most to enhance his reputation - but will he go to Cheltenham?

It was a big day for novice chasers, with winners on either side of the Irish Sea ending it as clear favourites for races at the Cheltenham Festival, now creeping into view 11 weeks off in the distance.

Bravemansgame surely did most to enhance his reputation, given that he was usurped at the top of the betting for the Kauto Star by Ahoy Senor, but is now reckoned to be much the more likely of the pair to land the Festival Novices' Chase at odds of just 3-1, despite doubts as to whether he will even be sent there.

It could certainly be said that Ahoy Senor mucked things up for himself, lacking fluency and eventually tiring after racing freely through the early stages. By contrast, Bravemansgame was professionalism itself, calmly tracking his main rival while taking his fences neatly.