GRADUATION NIGHT sidestepped a Grade One engagement earlier in the week and the Lynn Higgins 60th Birthday Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Doncaster is an eminently more winnable contest.

LILIUM DE COTTE, fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last term, made an impressive debut for owner JP McManus and trainer Nicky Henderson at Uttoxeter yesterday.

Direct Access set out on the long road that could lead to Cheltenham next March with a pleasing debut over fences under Tony Dobbin.