Iceo and Porticello cut for Triumph as Gary Moore wins first Grade 1 since 2015

After ante-post favourite Fil Dor laid down a Triumph Hurdle marker at Leopardstown on Sunday, the Brits responded with a challenge of their own on Monday as Iceo and Porticello were both cut for the Cheltenham highlight for juveniles with dominant victories at Kempton and Chepstow respectively.

Sent off the 9-4 favourite for Kempton's opening two-mile juvenile hurdle, Iceo – wearing the colours of owner Chris Giles – could not have been more impressive on his British debut as he coasted home for a 17-length success under Bryony Frost.

He was made as short as 8-1 for the Triumph with BetVictor, and his win was followed shortly after by another taking juvenile performance, this time in the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle.

1.40 Chepstow: full result and replay

The 100-30 chance Porticello, runner-up to Knight Salute in the Summit Juvenile Hurdle last time, accelerated eight and a half lengths clear of Saint Segal under Jamie Moore to provide the jockey's father Gary with a first Grade 1 victory since the 2015 Tingle Creek.

Pre-race favourite Forever Blessed was pulled up by Sean Bowen shortly after the jockey performed an incredible sit to stay on board the Harry Fry-trained runner, who had jinked right after being impeded by Skycutter between the third and fourth flights.

Paddy Power immediately cut Porticello to 12-1 (from 20) for the Triumph but William Hill were among several firms to go to single figures at 8-1.

'He couldn't have done any more'

The winning trainer Gary Moore said: "That was great. It was the first time he had a true-run race and the hurdles that were missing didn't go against him either. There's a few unlucky ones in the race, the horse of Harry Fry's in particular, and we had a lot of things go in our favour. But you can't knock him, he couldn't have done anymore than he did.

Gary Moore: last won a Grade 1 with Sire De Grugy in the 2015 Tingle CreekCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"I mustn't overdo it this season, this race was sort of an afterthought to be honest. We intended to go to Cheltenham at the end of the month but he came to hand so quick, then the ground was right too and it's thanks to Olly who said we should go here. He's a chaser in the making."

'He certainly did that nicely'

Iceo was a comfortable winner on his only start in France at Dieppe in August before moving to Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard, and BetVictor were suitably impressed by his first start for his new stable to make him an 8-1 shot for the Triumph, although most other firms priced him at either 12 or 14-1.

Iceo: blew away his Kempton rivals on his British debutCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nicholls was also impressed, but did sound a note of caution when it comes to Cheltenham with the champion trainer eyeing a future chasing career first and foremost.

He said: "I was taken by the way he won the time before and he'd been keen at home. We were trying to get him to relax and jump well at home, and what he did out there was going to show us.

12.45 Kempton: full result and race replay

"He certainly did that nicely. The other horse going by set him alight as we thought we'd go in front and let him switch off, but once he went by he dropped the bridle and went to sleep.

"The Triumph Hurdle for a horse like him isn't the be all and end all. He's a chaser for the future. If it came up on testing ground you may look at it, but there are nicer races on the way for him.

"He's got the size and scope to be a chaser, so I'm not worried about Triumph Hurdles for him at the moment, unless he improves differently."

The Gordon Elliott-trained Fil Dor remains at the head of the market for the opening contest of the final day of the Cheltenham Festival after he extended his unbeaten record over hurdles to three with a seven-length victory in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle on Sunday.

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