One of a kind for Mann

VC Bet slashed Air Force One into 8-1 for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase after the classy hurdler flew home in the Crown Racing Freephone 08000 724 624 Novices’ Chase at Fontwell.

Irish layers Cashmans also trimmed the Charlie Mann-trained six-year-old into 12-1 after he slammed his five rivals to score by a distance.

Noel Fehily’s mount – running in the colours of Brian Walsh, owner of 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch – was always in the front rank and eased away from O’Maley four fences out to register a second win over fences as the 4-6 favourite.

Mann said: “He jumped well there. I went down to watch him at the last and he was awesome.

“Noel said he has had an easy race and if he comes out of it well we may well go the Reynoldstown at Ascot on the way to the SunAlliance.

“He is a serious horse – but he will need to be to take on Kauto Star and Denman next year!”

Classic Fiddle, a daughter of Nicky Henderson’s staying mare Fiddling The Facts, obliged at the first time of asking over fences in the Crown Racing First For Service Beginners’ Chase.

The 8-11 favourite had won four of her five previous starts and responded to the urgings of Mick Fitzgerald to hold off the challenge of Russian Around by a length.

Henderson said: “She has only been beaten once, and that was by Gaspara and we weren’t happy with her that day – Mick said she ran as flat as a pancake.

“Mick said she was doing too much early and not to go much further than this (two miles, two furlongs), unless she goes up in class and there is a stronger gallop.”

Wayne Hutchinson had his first taste of success for two months as Alan King’s Katess ran out a wide-margin winner of the Crown Racing “Your Best Bet” Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

The jockey was forced to spend several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his knee in a fall at Exeter, and after returning to the saddle on Monday he got back in the groove as the 9-2 favourite forged to a 13-length victory.

King’s assistant Noel Williams said: “We have been trying to teach her to settle and the step up in trip has helped.

“Alan has always thought she is a good mare and has a bit of class.”

Tim McCarthy came close to withdrawing Cave Of The Giant owing to the tacky ground but allowed the 5-1 chance to take part in the Crown Racing “Your Best Bet” Handicap Hurdle, and was rewarded with a thumping 23-length victory.

McCarthy said: “Winning here last time did his confidence good and I hope this will do the same.”

Lady Herries sent out her first National Hunt winner for almost a year as Honour High (17-2) galloped to victory in the Crown Racing Novices’ Hurdle.

Massini Sunset made the frame at 100-1 last time out and built on that to oblige at 8-1 in the Crown Racing Handicap Chase, while Charlie Longsdon’s Aboukir Bay produced a 33-1 shock in the bumper.