Distant Thunder - no decision yet (Getty Images).

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Distant Thunder's victory at Lingfield on Saturday is forcing contentions to consider sending him to Cheltenham.

The Robert Alner-trained seven-year-old scored for the second time in the space of eight days when he took the Telectronics Novices' Chase.

Switched from its usual location at Ascot, this Grade Two contest is usually won by a top-notch performer and the victory may convince Alner to tackle the Cheltenham Festival with his charge.

Given an almost identical waiting ride by Andrew Thornton to the one he used successfully at Newbury last Saturday, the 6-4 favourite was eased into contention in the home straight and sent for home past leader Persian Waters over the final fence.

Stretching clear, the winner passed the post three lengths ahead.

"We were going to miss Cheltenham this year, but we will have to have a look at the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase for him now," said Alner.

"It took us a while to realise how to ride him. When you think you ought to go for home you have to count to 10 and then go.

"He is just a real galloper, he doesn't really quicken up as such. But if you ask him too early then he struggles to stay on all the way to the line.

"We might still decide not to go for Cheltenham as he's had a good season already. But wherever we go, he is a going to be a lovely horse for the future."