Master Debonair cut to 20-1 for Supreme after ready Ascot victory

Master Debonair gave 3lb to his rivals but led throughout to run out an authoritative winner of the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot.

It was a first victory in the Grade 2 event for Colin Tizzard with Master Debonair readily defeating odds-on favourite Ribble Valley by eight lengths.

The £35,000 contest has been won by Irving, Yanworth and Angels Breath in recent years and Paddy Power shortened Master Debonair to 16-1 (from 33) for the Cheltenham Festival opener in March, while Sky Bet – sponsors of the Supreme – made him 20-1 (from 33).

His rider Robbie Power was suitably impressed and said on Sky Sports Racing: "It was a big improvement from when he won last time and he jumped a lot better.

"We went a reasonable pace in the testing ground and he's relentless. He'll definitely be going to Cheltenham in March and if it's soft ground again it will be happy days."

Watch Master Debonair's Grade 2 success

Ribble Valley travelled nicely into contention but made a mistake at the second last and failed to threaten Master Debonair thereafter.

Time Flies By ran a promising race on his hurdling debut to finish four and a half lengths back in third, while McFabulous stayed on again late on despite finishing last of four.

The victory of Master Debonair provides a boost to the chances of the Paul Nicholls-trained Tamaroc Du Mathan at Ascot on Saturday, who finished a seven-length second to Tizzard's star novice giving him 5lb last time and contests the Betfair Exchange Trophy.

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