Taquin De Seuil (13-8 favourite) graduated to Grade One level with a comfortable victory in Newbury's Betfred Mobile Sports Challow Novices' Hurdle.

Jonjo O'Neill's charge sat in last place in the early stages as Tony McCoy was happy to bide his time, with Ballybough Pat setting a very steady pace up front. He was still in front three flights from home but Taquin De Seuil was travelling noticeably well in company with his main market rival Clondaw Kaempfer.

However, the latter was under pressure after jumping that hurdle and soon fell away, being pulled up before the penultimate flight. That left Easter Day to battle it out with Taquin De Seuil and while the favourite made slightly hard work of it by running around a bit in front and clattering the last, he still had nine lengths in hand at the line.

Taquin De Seuil was cut to 8-1 from 14s for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but he is now set for a break.

O'Neill said: "He doesn't mind that ground, but I'd say he'd be as good a horse on better ground. He'll have a holiday now and might not run until Cheltenham."

Asked if the Neptune would be the target, O'Neill added: "You'd have to be looking that way."

There was concern for the well-fancied Clondaw Kaempfer, but trainer Donald McCain said: "Jason (Maguire) thought he had gone wrong but he has pulled up OK."

My Tent Or Yours had inflicted Taquin Du Seuil's only British defeat at Ascot in early November and he was also in action in the Betfred Mobile Lotto Charity Introductory Hurdle. However, the 4-11 favourite finished four and a half lengths adrift of his Nicky Henderson-trained stablemate Chatterbox (5-1).

"One went in the ground and one didn't. I still think My Tent Or Yours is a very good horse. I felt Chatterbox was not as mature and he'll only be having a quiet season," 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