Top 40 winner Big Ticket

Following a near seven weeks absence, Top 40 entry Big Ticket recorded his first win under Rules when staying on stoutly to land the two miles three maiden hurdle at Lingfield on Thursday. Found to have suffered an over reach when pulling up at Ascot in December, the former pointer jumped well and responded generously when tackled at the second last. A six and a half lengths winner, the Soldier of Fortune gelding handled the testing conditions and has already proved he is as effective on a sounder surface. Hopefully, the 126 rated novice can enjoyable a productive spring.

Nicky Henderson's novices are in fine form and that trend continued with Act of Innocence providing the Seven Barrows outfit with their fourth win in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon. Runner-up at Newbury on his previous start, the former Paul Nicholls trained inmate appreciated the step up in trip travelling strongly throughout before pulling away on the run-in. A three and three quarters of a length victor, the six year old booked his place in the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Festival. 

Earlier in the day, stablemate Mustang Du Breuil looked a smart recruit when beating the highly regarded Milou Du Chenet (in receipt of three pounds) in the junior National Hunt hurdle at Doncaster. Successful at Auteuil during the Autumn, the gelded son of Goliath Du Berlais was bought soon afterwards and has impressed since joining the former champion trainer. Confidently ridden by James Bowen, he led between the last two flights before running on well to beat another useful opponent. Entered in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, his owner J.P.McManus has a formidable team of four year olds. 

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