Fontwell produces lacklustre chase

With three non-runners and two fences bypassed down the back straight, the Cenkos Securities Novices' Chase at Fontwell failed to produce much in the way of excitement.

But punters who took 1-7 about Le Volfoni winning for the fourth time this season had little to worry about throughout as Joe Tizzard’s mount comfortably made all to beat Lago d’Oro by 18 lengths.

Trainer Paul Nicholls is eyeing a valuable priz at Kelso on March 4, the Cyril Alexander Memorial HBLB Novices’ Chase, as the next target for his prolific gelding, who was welcomed into the winner's enclosure by a large party representing his Million In Mind owners’ syndicate.

“He is entered in the Arkle at Cheltenham but unless it is like this for three days and comes up like a bog then he won’t be going there,” said Nicholls.

“There is a nice race at Kelso for him before then which is worth a few quid and the ground should be suitable.”