'He'd be superb for it' - Threeunderthrufive made 16-1 for festival target

Sunday: Cheltenham

Threeunderthrufive ignited a Grand National dream for the McNeill family after his staying power proved the difference in a dominant win in the 3m½f novice chase.

He beat Does He Know, the sole other finisher, in the race by four and a quarter lengths thanks to a smart jumping display and he was made a general 16-1 shot for the National Hunt Chase, his main target this season.

The six-year-old could move out of novice company next, however, with the Coral Welsh Grand National one possibility.

"That was a nice jumping and staying performance," said trainer Paul Nicholls, whose last success in this race came with subsequent Grade 1 winner Black Corton. "I just said to Max [McNeill] he'd be superb for it [National Hunt Chase], and something like the Reynoldstown in the spring could suit.

"He's a real strong stayer, he jumps and gallops away and you can ride him handy. My head lad [Clifford Baker] said that horse would run well in a National one day, I hope he's right."

The three heavy fallers were reported to be fine.

'It's a relief to finally get him a big one'

Bryony Frost was relieved to land a big race with Yala Enki after the 11-year-old galloped his rivals into submission in the 3m3½f handicap chase.

The pair had been denied by a short head in the Grade 3 last season but Frost left nothing to chance this time, making the most of Yala Enki's stamina before pushing him out to win by a length and a quarter.

"There's an endless tank of diesel for you to keep using," said Frost. "He's got an abundance of stamina – I've never ridden a horse like him. You feel he's running out of energy but he always responds.

"It's a relief to finally get him a big one. We've knocked on the door a few times – I've messed up a few times – and it took me a while to click with his characteristics. His ears were pricked up the straight."

Trainer Paul Nicholls suggested it was a career-best performance and said he will also have an entry in the Welsh National and the Portman Cup at Taunton, which he won last season under Frost.

Yala Enki and Bryony Frost win the 3m 3f handicap chaseCheltenham 14.11.21 Pic: Edward WhitakerCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "It was a super performance and the crowd seem to love these old horses who just keep jumping and galloping to the line.

"We didn't make quite enough use of him last year when he was beaten a short head so we made a plan this time to go a good gallop, give him a breather and try to win the race from the top of the hill. Off that mark, it's probably a career-best performance at 11."

Nicholls recorded a treble when Timeforatune held on from Flying Sara to win his third bumper in a row under a jubilant Harry Cobden.

The John Hales-owned five-year-old, who was bought for £175,000, won by half a length, adding to victories at Ffos Las and Chepstow.

Hurdling hat-trick

I Like To Move It was cut to 20-1 (from 33) for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle after seeing off his two challengers in the festival race's Grade 2 trial. The 4-6 favourite held off Washington by two lengths.

Results, replays and analysis

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