Racing Review - Day 1 The bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials

JPR One ran his rivals ragged in the £80,000 Scottish Champion Chase under Brendan Powell.

Leading from the early stages of the 2m 4f feature, he stormed home two and three-quarter lengths clear of Tommy’s Oscar.

Joe Tizzard said:

“I never rode here as a jockey and this is my first runner as a trainer. We flew up from Bristol this morning and this has made the trip worthwhile.

“He’s was top-weight and conceding plenty but he’s a class horse and he enjoyed the track and the ground out there. There are a few options for him at Cheltenham including the Ryanair Chase, which could be the race for him.”

Tayside owner Jimmy Fyffe saw his colours carried to victory by Dan Skelton-trained Made U Blush in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle.  

“She was very good at Doncaster last time and this Listed win shows that she could be good enough for Cheltenham and Aintree,” Fyffe said.

Ewan Whillans was on the mark with Star Of Guiting, who followed up his New Year’s Day course and distance strike in the Scottish County Hurdle.

The Hawick handler said:

“He’s only five and I think he will make a chaser one day. Coming from off the pace suits him and he could be back here in March for the Go North Finals and then maybe a race like the Swindon Hurdle at Haydock in the spring.” 

Absolutely Doyen made it five wins from five starts for Paul Nicholls under Freddie Gingell in the Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle.

“He’s a nice prospect and he’s also won a couple of handicaps,” the winning jockey reported. “We got a nice lead all the way round and he’s picked up well.”