Three And Easy For Twiston-Davies

Nigel Twiston-Davies' golden autumn gained further momentum when he sent out Platin Grounds, Ardaghey and Tramantano to land a 183-1 treble at Cheltenham.

The local trainer admitted it is the exceptional fitness of his horses which has given him a big edge on his competitors in the early weeks of the campaign.

After Paddy Brennan brought the super-fit Ardaghey home from Always Waining and Joaaci in a driving finish to the Showcase Handicap Chase, Twiston-Davies observed: 'It's the old thing and we've seen it all before.

'Basically mine are a lot of very fit horses taking on others which aren't quite as fit.

'It's given us an advantage and we've cashed in.'

Paddock inspectors of Ardaghey were left in little doubt the gelding was ready to run after a 265-day break.

And that was reflected in the betting as he was backed down to 100-30.

Twiston-Davies, who will put the eight-year-old in all the major staying handicaps, added: 'He's always been a nice horse, wants this better ground and will be entered for all the top staying chases, including the Hennessy and a three-mile-three-furlong race back here at the next meeting.'

Platin Grounds looks a horse with a big future following his success in the Jewson Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final.

The gelding travelled kindly throughout for Brennan, who partnered all three of the stable's winners and has settled beautifully into his role as number-one jockey at the Twiston-Davies yard.

Twiston-Davies said: 'He's very like my earlier winner Tramantano in that he could turn out to be an Arkle horse.

'It was only his fourth run over hurdles and he was last most of the way.

'You couldn't ask for more than that and he has a big future ahead of him.'

Twiston-Davies looks to have a possible contender for this season's Arkle in Tramantano, who overcame a market drift to take advantage of a crucial jumping error by long-time leader Marodima in the Tiger Developments Novices' Chase.

Tramantano, carrying the colours of Grand National winner Bindaree, was returning from a 656-day absence.

Twiston-Davies said: 'I'm very tempted to come back here for a Grade Two novice chase at the Open meeting.

'I hope he's an Arkle horse but only time will tell.'

Nicky Richards is making hay with Middleton Dene, who surprised some better-fancied rivals under Rose Davidson in the cheltenham.co.uk Novices' Hurdle.

The Greystoke trainer was getting off the cold list and recalled Middleton Dene had been his previous winner.

In completing a four-timer, the 11-2 shot powered up the hill to score by two lengths from Ashwell.

David Pipe got on the scoresheet when Sainte Kadette (7-1) made all to take the DLA Piper UK Juvenile Novices' Hurdle, while Mister Apple's, also a 7-1 shot, showed plenty of spirit to win the DNH Helicopters Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.

Snap Tie, trained by Philip Hobbs, benefited from the last-flight fall of Quaddick Lake to land the concluding Club 16-24 Maiden Hurdle and send favourite-backers home happy.

(C) PA Sport