David Bass rode Vinndication© Photo Healy Racing
Vinndication stylishly maintained his 100 per cent record with an authoritative display in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.
After one bumper success and two triumphs over smaller obstacles, Vinndication took the step up to Listed company in his stride.
David Bass decided to push on with Kim Bailey's bright prospect from four out and soon had his five rivals on the back foot.
Western Ryder was the only one to keep tabs on him, but Vinndication (5-2 favourite) was far too good and went on to score by three and a quarter lengths.
Bailey said: "He is still to me a complete baby. He was more switched on than he was last time.
"Even when he hit the front he didn't know what to go and do. Logically, I would rather go to Aintree than Cheltenham but I just need to see how he is.
"We are a month away from Cheltenham. I know where the owners would like to go but I have got to look after the horse.
"At this time last year he was standing in his stable so he has come an awful long way in a short space of time. He is a good horse.
"Temptations are there to be put in front of you and refused on occasions. He has got the two entries (in the Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett). I wouldn't think he will go three miles. We will let Red River do that one.
"It is all very well stepping up to three miles but that would have taught us nothing.
"He needed to learn and he needed to know what life was all about. He is a really good-action horse and I think he will be better on better ground."
Vinndication was cut to 16-1 from 33-1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle with Paddy Power.
Warren Greatrex has the Ballymore in mind for runner-up Western Ryder.
The Upper Lambourn trainer said: "I still think on better ground he will be better as it just nullifies that kick he has.
"Richard (Johnson) is pretty keen for the Ballymore as he stayed every yard of that.
"OK, you have got Samcro but you shouldn't be afraid of one horse and that race might just cut up more.
"I'm pretty sure he is better left-handed. You are disappointed not to win but when you see how far some really good horses are behind it could be they are two very good horses."
