Nicky Henderson was expected to have a profitable afternoon at Ascot and he duly landed a double, starting with the rejuvenated Minella Class in the David & Toni Eyles Beginners' Chase.

The classy hurdler had made a faltering start to his career over fences last season and treated the Berkshire track's obstacles with plenty of respect until warming to his task in the home straight.

A prodigious leap at the last saw Barry Geraghty and the 7-4 favourite sail two and a quarter lengths clear of Theatrical Star.

"It's hard work out there and he was a bit careful, but he had a bad fall last season at Newbury and used to be a bit over-ambitious," said Henderson.

"He's had problems with his wind and this was good experience. I won't step him up too much yet."

Henderson followed up with a winner for the Queen in the Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son Introductory Hurdle.

The unbeaten Close Touch (7-4 favourite), had been taken as far afield as Market Rasen and Fakenham for his previous two victories, in a bumper and a hurdle, but he and the rest of the field spotted Loyaute a lead of almost 30 lengths which lasted until the second-last flight.

Close Touch took over and eventually mastered Fair Trade by two and a half lengths, with Lordofthehouse paying the penalty for another of his now customary slow starts back in fourth.

"These introductory races are great for a horse like this, you just have a 5lb penalty for winning and it's a nice place for the Queen to have a winner," said Henderson.

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