Clock set to strike again after impressive first win over hurdles

Although his Cheltenham Festival winner Domesday Book won't be running until the new year, trainer Stuart Edmunds has another potential star on his hands in Theclockisticking, who looked a horse to follow when making an impressive winning debut over hurdles in the 2m novice.

Placed in two Irish point-to-points and runner-up in a Market Rasen bumper on his first start for Edmunds and owner Howard Cooke, the five-year-old quickened up in fine style and came home unchallenged under Ciaran Gethings to beat favourite Holryale by 32 lengths.

It was hardly surprising Edmunds said afterwards he was 'chuffed', as the winner is bred to stay much further than two miles – his dam is a sister to Gold Cup and Midlands National winner Synchronised.