Highway to heaven: Cannon delight as star novice triumphs in Dovecote

The progressive Highway One O Two produced a commanding performance to take the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle and provide trainer Chris Gordon with a first winner at Grade 2 level under Tom Cannon.

The 4-1 shot's victory was also a second in Grade 2 company of the day for Cannon, who earlier steered Who Dares Wins to a game success in the Pendil Novices' Chase.

"It's been a good day," said Cannon after the four and three-quarter length win. "Honestly, I was just a passenger because he's keen and does his own thing and this was all down to the horse. He goes through that ground nicely and is a nimble jumper who stays well.

"He's had a great season and Chris's [Gordon] horses are running really well. It's great to be getting on horses like him."

Song For Someone sends Symonds soaring to new heights with Kingwell success

Song For Someone served up an enthralling late crescendo in a bunched finish to the Kingwell Hurdle at Kempton under Aidan Coleman, providing a first Graded victory for trainer Tom Symonds.

Diego Du Charmil travelled strongly into the contest but was caught by the rapidly finishing 11-8 winner just before the line, losing out by half a length. Ch'Tibello was a neck back in third.

One of the highest-rated horses to emerge from last season's crop of juveniles, Song For Someone's performance left Symonds considering a tilt at the Champion Hurdle next month.

Song For Someone and Aidan Coleman strike in the Kingwell HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's hard work for horses after their four-year-old season and he's now showing he's one of the best horses from that year," he said.

"It's amazing for everyone at home to have won a Grade 2 and this is a huge success. I'm so grateful the BHA have rescheduled the race. I think Cheltenham would suit him because he's a strong stayer."

Symonds' biggest victory as a trainer before Saturday's success was the triumph of Tweedledrum in a Listed mares' novice hurdle at Doncaster in 2013.

'He reminds me of Master Minded' - Nicholls ace storms to head of Triumph market

Solo lived up to his name, and ante-post expectations, with an ultra-impressive performance in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle under Harry Cobden.

The entire, who won his last start in France by 15 lengths, was just as eyecatching here and was cut to as short as 3-1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

Solo canters clear in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton, shortening to 5-1 for the Triumph HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Despite being weak in the market beforehand, the Paul Nicholls-trained four-year-old sauntered clear in the home straight in the manner of a high-class prospect.

Nicholls, indicating he would take his chance in the Triumph, said: "He reminds me of Master Minded."

It was a fifth win in the race for Nicholls, who won this race with subsequent Triumph hero Zarkandar in 2011.

Who Dares Wins cut for Ultima at Cheltenham as Master Tommytucker falls again

Who Dares Wins came on top in a dramatic renewal of the Pendil Novices' Chase, with Master Tommytucker falling for the second time in a row.

The Alan King-trained eight-year-old, who finished second on his previous two chase starts, was clipped to 16-1 (from 20) for the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival.

King said: "He's a wonderful horse and has taken us everywhere. He is a soft-ground horse on the Flat but not heavy at Plumpton where everything went horribly wrong last time – he walked through the ditch and then was nearly brought down.

Who Dares Wins (near side): gets the better of Southfield Stone in the Pendil Novices' Chase at KemptonCredit: Edward Whitaker

"The plan wasn't to go to the front too soon but when Paul's horse [Master Tommytucker] fell he was going well. Today was the first time he has worn cheekpieces jumping. He has three Cheltenham entries – the RSA, Marsh and Ultima – and I wouldn't mind going 3m with him if it is not soft or heavy

Southfield Stone, winner of the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle on this card last year, appeared to be travelling ominously up the straight but could not get past the game winner, with Commanche Red, the 9-4 favourite, nine and a half lengths back in third.

Master Tommytucker fell at the same fence in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over Christmas, but he and rider Harry Cobden rose to their feet quickly. It was his third fall in four starts over fences.

Downtown Getaway slashed for Cheltenham handicaps after Kempton strike

Downtown Getaway got his career back on track with a gritty victory in the opening handicap hurdle at Kempton, and has been cut to 12-1 (from 20) with Sky Bet for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham.

Partnered by Nico de Boinville, the seven-year-old made virtually all and despite a poor jump at the final flight, he found plenty to deny Palmers Hill by a neck.

Sky Bet also cut the Nicky Henderson-trained runner to 14-1 (from 33) for the Coral Cup.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly