November Update winner Bucksy Des Epeires (7/2)

Celtic Dino produced a smart performance to win the Introductory Hurdle at Ascot on Friday. A dual bumper winner last term, the five year old had readily disposed of inferior rivals on his hurdles bow at Wincanton last month and took the step up in grade in his stride her. Handy throughout, Sam Thomas' charge jumped neatly and readily saw off the challenges of other previous winners Wade Out and Joyeuse to win by four and a quarter lengths. His connections are reportedly eyeing a tilt at the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (8th February) but the Doctor Dino needs to have two more runs to qualify. He is a useful novice and the sort to develop into a major contender for the £155,000 event.

Earlier on the card, the Venetia Williams trained Bucksy Des Epeires (7/2) was nominated as a novice chaser to watch out for in the November Update and the ex-French gelding didn't disappoint on his fencing debut winning the two miles three novices' handicap chase off a mark of 121. The five year old had reportedly schooled well beforehand and, while he was sticky over a few of the early fences, he warmed to his task and got better once pulled to the outside. A two and a half lengths winner, he wore down the longtime leader Rare Edition after the last and it the sort to stay ahead of the assessor for the time being.

Paul Nicholls sent out a double at Chepstow, including Sinnatra (5/4) in the concluding bumper. The multiple champion trainer nominated eight unraced bumper horses on page 93 of One Jump Ahead and the big strapping son of Walk In The Park gelding didn't disappoint stretching clear to win with plenty in hand by four and a half lengths. Bought for €205,000 at the Tattersalls Derby Sales in Ireland last year, he is a smashing long-term prospect.