Al Dancer justified 5/2 favouritism in the rearranged Betfair Hurdle at Ascot following a convincing win under Sam Twiston-Davies on Saturday.
The long-time antepost favourite for the prestigious Newbury contest, Nigel Twiston-Davies' novice was also popular for this Ascot version of the race and his supporters barely had a moment of concern.
Raised 12lb by the handicapper for an easy 11-length win in handicap company last time at Cheltenham, he's set for another mighty hike from 141 now but his days in this sort of race could be over.
Indeed, the sponsors cut him to 5/1 from 10s for the Grade 1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with spokesman Michael Shinners saying: "He travelled supremely and jumped like a very good horse.
"He looks a major player for this year's Sky Bet Supreme and we make him joint 5/1 favourite along with Fakir D'oudaries."
1st 4 Al Dancer (FR) 5/2 f
2nd 13 Magic Dancer 20/1
3rd 5 Blu Cavalier 100/1
- Winning Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies
- Winning Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
- Runners: 14 ran
- Distances: 3 ¾, 2 ½
- Tote Win: £3.40
- Pl: £1.40, £4.50, £11.10
- EX: £48.60
- SF: £59.27
- Tricast:£4,059.00
- Swingers:£10.50, £73.20, £89.10
Twiston-Davies senior said: "He was quite free on the first two or three hurdles. He wears a hood, but he is a free horse.
"He is quite a lively horse, but we have him quite calm now. He was good in the paddock and good everywhere - he was just a bit fresh early on.
"He is obviously a chaser - look at the size of him - and that is what we dream about, (owner) Dai (Walters) especially.
"Let's see what we do this season. He could have another season over hurdles, but chasing will be his game.
"He is a boy - in a nice way - and just wants to get on with it. The raw ability he has seems superb."
The trainer added: "He will go for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. We were thinking about going two-and-a-half (miles), but Sam said he didn't settle well enough today and that you would have to go for the two-mile race.
"Dai has Angels Breath for the Supreme as well, but if he has first and second that won't be too bad!"
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