Cryptic came home like an odds-on favourite should when thumping his six rivals by upwards of 24 lengths in the Connaught plc "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.

Dear Villez made a pleasing return to Plumpton after his mishap 10 days earlier with a smooth front-running performance in the Cenkos Securities Beginners’ Chase.

Punters should keep on the right side of Michael Stoute’s progressive Rohaani when he contests the HSS Hire Handicap at York tomorrow.

Mubtaker, Europe’s highest-rated horse still in training after last season, put himself firmly into the reckoning for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when making a successful reappearance at Newbury today.