David Pipe took the tried-and-tested approach with his two John Smith’s Grand National hopes by schooling Puntal and Celtic Son over some purpose-built Aintree-style fences.

Martin Brassil is hoping Navan’s meeting on Saturday can beat the weather so that late Queen Mother Champion Chase defector Nickname can take his chance in the Russell Restaurant An Uaimh Chase.

Straw Bear appeared right back to his best when posting an authoritative victory in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton - but trainer Nick Gifford immediately played down his charge's Cheltenham Festival hopes.