Cole Harden 'a bit disappointing' as Its'afreebee strikes

The 2015 Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Cole Harden failed to emulate the 2016 winner Thistlecrack on his first run over fences as he was comprehensively beaten by the more experienced Dan Skelton-trained Its'afreebee in the four-runner 2m3½f novice chase.

However, the race was a case of what might have been as the Alan King-trained Minella Charmer was still tanking and looking the possible winner when he came down at the fourth from home.

A big, imposing sort, Its'afreebee jumped well most of the way, although he did get in close at the second-last. He soon recovered and had the race won before the last, coming home by seven lengths from Cole Harden, who was only third jumping the last but finished strongly.