Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh completed a double at Cheltenham when 5-4 favourite Dodging Bullets made virtually every yard in the Grade Two Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle.

Walsh was positive from the off aboard the Frankie Dettori-bred winner, but he looked to have a battle on his hands as there were five in with a chance at the last.

However, a sound leap from Dodging Bullets saw him land in front and he stayed on up the hill, finding the necessary extra to repel River Maigue by a length and a half. Court Minstrel was the same distance back in third.

Nicholls said: "He wants a fast-run race, he stays and this will have done him the world of good. He showed last year in the Triumph Hurdle that he's a classy horse, but he was just struggling with his breathing.

"We might go for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day and then come back for the Supreme here - it's a long way off to start planning yet."

Earlier, Shooters Wood kept on gamely for Nicholls and Walsh to win the paddypower.com Handicap Chase.

Walsh was always in the front rank on the eight-year-old (7-1) as Arctic Ben tried to make all, and he looked well in control as they rounded the turn at the top of the straight. French raider Wetak tried to go with him, but he pecked on landing at the second-last and it looked as though the battle was over.

Tom Scudamore switched Wetak to the inside and he ran on again, but Shooters Wood stayed on grimly to prevail by a length and a half. Silver Roque claimed third, while 9-2 joint-favourites Astracad and Kid Cassidy failed to make an impact.

Nicholls said: "This lad's run a blinder. Ruby said he probably should have won on him at Taunton the last day. It was the first time he'd sat on him and he said he should have saved a bit. Today I knew Ruby would ride him a bit differently and save a little bit for the hill and it was perfect.

"I think left-handed tracks suit him better. He looks an out-and-out two-miler and I'm not sure what we will do with him now."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests