'He's an exciting chaser for next season' - Jamie Snowden lines up big targets

Wednesday: Haydock

Jamie Snowden is excited by the thought of aiming Soldier Of Destiny at some big-race autumn contests next season after his dominant front-running performance to land the 2m4f novice handicap chase.

A return to Merseyside to Aintree for the Old Roan Chase in late October could be on the long-term agenda for the six-year-old, who, despite blundering his way through the last, galloped clear to win by three lengths under Gavin Sheehan.

His success was the first leg of an across-the-card double for the trainer, who also scored with Midnight Centurion at Ludlow and is now one winner short of equalling his best tally of 46 winners in a season.

"He's had a long and good campaign but he's an exciting chaser for next season," Snowden said. "You could see him in those two-and-a-half mile handicap chases on soft ground at Cheltenham in the autumn – that'd be lovely – or perhaps the Old Roan.

"There's plenty of nice races to think about with this horse. He's a really promising young horse who jumps beautifully – it was his exuberant jumping that won it for him there."

Pat-trick

Tim Pat made it three wins on the bounce and maintained his perfect record over fences with success in the feature 3m4½f handicap chase.

Tim Pat (dark blue cap): challenges Chef D'Oeuvre in the feature handicap chaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Donald McCain-trained six-year-old was successful over hurdles at Bangor two starts ago before following up on his fences debut at Carlisle last month, and he reeled in long-time leader Chef D'Oeuvre to bring up the hat-trick under Theo Gillard.

The pair doubled up when Nora The Xplorer scored impressively in the 3m½f mares' novice hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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