Hobbs Storms Into Cheltenham Frame

Hobbs Hill earned high rank in the ante-post lists for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival following his accomplished display in Grade Two company at Newbury.

Charles Egerton's eight-year-old had already mopped up two lesser races but faced his toughest task to date when taking on the likes of Silverburn in the AIS Fire Tech Novices' Chase.

But the 100-30 shot rose to the challenge and was foot-perfect under a front-running Tony McCoy ride to see off Silverburn, who was in receipt on 7lb, by five lengths.

Coral introduced Hobbs Hill into the SunAlliance betting at 20-1, with totesport and VC Bet at 14s and Blue Square as short as 12s.

Egerton said: 'He has plenty of ability but has had his problems, he's bled in the past and is difficult to get right.

'He's had two quick runs now and there are no plans ? although there is the possibility of a race at Ascot before Christmas, and two and a half miles would be his trip.'

Silverburn was eased out by the majority of firms and is as big as 20-1 for the same race with Coral, although Stan James left him unchanged at 12-1.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said of the runner-up: 'He jumped well but will improve for the run.'

McCoy was earlier seen at his brilliant best when driving home 100-30 shot Soliya to win the Dermot Ffrench Memorial Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

'She's not bad for a little one and what she lacks in size she makes up for in heart,' said trainer David Pipe.

Pipe doubled up as 11-2 shot The Package proved a cut above in the City Inn 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle, earning a 33-1 quote with Paddy Power for the Supreme Novices' following his six-length rout.

The trainer added: 'He was keen last time at Chepstow so we let him bowl along and settled him.

'He is a big baby but has done the job nicely and is a lovely horse.'

Miko De Beauchene was promoted to the head of the Welsh National market by sponsors Coral after chasing home prolific winner Eden Linty (6-1) in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.

Robert Alner's charge is now 8-1 co-favourite of three with Coral for the December 27 marathon.

Alner's wife, Sally, said: 'I am delighted with that and he won't run again before the Welsh National.'

Alan King proved the well-being of his string as The Hairy Lemon was kidded home by Robert Thornton in the Strutt & Parker Novices' Handicap Chase.

King said of the 7-1 winner: 'He ran a cracking race at Cheltenham a fortnight ago and has schooled away grand so I was quite hopeful despite top weight.'

Carl Llewellyn was also among the winners and saddled Harrycone Lewis (8-1) to a 13-length success under Joshua Guerriero in the Strutt & Parker Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.

(C) PA Sport