Captain Forwards Festival Claims

Group Captain cemented his position as a live prospect for one of the novice events at Cheltenham as he came out on top at Exeter yesterday.

The 15-8 joint favourite thrashed his market rival Working Title by six lengths in the Listed toteexacta Novices' Hurdle, preserving his unbeaten record over jumps in style under Robert Thornton.

"That's just what we wanted and I was delighted with him," said trainer Alan King.

"I shall speak to the owners but will leave him in both novice races at the moment.

"With each race he's got better and while I'm sure he'll get two miles and five furlongs, he's certainly not short of speed.

King believes his charge was sharper at the West Country venue and added: "He won't run again before the Festival."

(C) PA Sport