Far West emerged a facile winner of what ended up a match race for the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls' juvenile is the leader in the sphere and only had Handazan to beat when Mr Lando departed early on, the 2-9 favourite repeating the outcome of the pair's previous meeting at Chepstow as he cantered 19 lengths clear in the hands of Ruby Walsh.

Nicholls said: "He could do with a stronger gallop as he's a real stayer. He's hardly done anything since his last run and will maybe come back here in January and then go for the Triumph."

Coral make Far West their 6-1 Festival favourite, with Betfred bigger at 10s.

The Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase produced a thrilling finish between the sport's top two names.

Walsh and 11-4 joint-favourite Shooters Wood appeared well on course to repeat last month's victory until a charging Tony McCoy and His Excellency joined him up the run-in. The former found more in a pulsating battle and scored by a length and a quarter.

Nicholls, on the way to a four-timer, said: "We haven't had him long and he has just improved and improved. He's idle and Ruby just said he waits for something to come alongside and he goes again. He could have a break before the Grand Annual back here."

Mud-lover Highland Lodge (2-1) ended up taking the Ryman Stationary Novices' Chase by 22 lengths after this race also developed into a duel.

Barry Geraghty's mount sat alongside Our Father and when push came to shove, the highly rated hot favourite could not match Highland Lodge and was beaten hands-down.

Jonathon Lavelle, part-owner and also brother of trainer Emma, said: "Soft ground is the key to him. He jumped beautifully in only his third chase and if by any chance it came up heavy at the Festival we'd have a serious chance. I rather doubt it though!"

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