Zalda underlined her Festival prospects.

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Zalda received a quote as short as 20/1 with Hills for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after a deeply impressive start to her hurdling career at Kempton Park on Saturday.

The Philip Hobbs-trained filly romped to a 10-length success from Dubai Ace in the two-mile totejackpot Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

She never looked in any danger of being beaten despite the fact that Richard Johnson did not have to get serious with her at any stage.

The 11/10 favourite Woody Valentine, who was giving away 13lb to the winner, was in trouble well before three out and stuck on to be third as Zalda (11/2) made virtually all, powering away on the bit two flights from home.

"I was very pleased with her," said Johnson. "She is a big mare and covers a lot of ground. She is very straightforward and stays this trip well."

Hobbs was indifferent when asked if she would take her place at Cheltenham, for which she is a 33/1 shot with both Coral and VC Bet and 25/1 with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power.

"We will see what there is for her in the next few weeks before deciding," said the Minehead handler, who bought her out of Roger Charlton's yard for 28,000 guineas.

"We will find another small race for her, one where she will get a filly's allowance.

"She was only rated in the 60s on the Flat - though Made In Japan (last season's Triumph Hurdle winner) was rated in the low 70s. But she is a big filly and she is sound. We'll run her again and see how we go before making any plans."