Tatenen takes Cheltenham Novices Chase

Tatenen made light work of his rivals in the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, cementing his position at the head of the Arkle betting in the process.

Paul Nicholls’ four-year-old, an easy winner of his first start over fences at Aintree, made all under Sam Thomas who was replacing the injured Ruby Walsh.

A faultless display, barring one minor incident at the open ditch, the 8-13 favourite cruised home 24 lengths clear of Straw Bear.

Tatenen is now as low as 7-2 with VC Bet for the Arkle back at Cheltenham in March.

“I hate those small fields because you never know what pace to go,” Thomas told Channel 4 Racing.

“But it made no difference to this lad, he jumped brilliantly apart from a little mistake at the ditch.

“He gave me a great ride and it’s onwards and upwards now.”