'Some have moaned about it but it's a good target' - new Cheltenham Festival race on radar for classy Guard Your Dreams

Guard Your Dreams ended his winless run in the 2m4f novice handicap chase, leaving connections thinking about a long-term Cheltenham Festival target.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained eight-year-old had not won since landing the International Hurdle in December 2021, but struck on his chase debut when denying Roccovango by a nose. He may now be teed up for the novice handicap that is replacing the Grade 1 Golden Miller Novices' Chase (run as the Turners last season) at the four-day spectacular in March.

Willy Twiston-Davies, assistant trainer to his father, said: "I know some people have moaned about it, but the two-and-a-half mile novice handicap chase could be a good target for him.

"Today was absolutely fantastic and really important for the owners Graham and Alison Jelley. He's got plenty of class and hopefully this can be the start of picking up more races like this."

Nigel Twiston-Davies and his other son and jockey, Sam, also took the 2m5f handicap hurdle with Guard The Moon. It completed an across-the-card treble for the in-form yard alongside The Kniphand's win at Southwell.

Comeback win

Harry Cobden struck on his comeback on Captain Marvellous in the opening division of the 2m novice hurdle, but victory was marred by the winner suffering an injury.

Chester Williams, assistant trainer to his mother and trainer Jane, said: "It's a nasty injury and looks like he's struck into himself. We don't know a huge amount more at this stage, but the next couple of days should tell us more."

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