Mr Moonshine books Cheltenham spot
Mr Moonshine looks to have guaranteed himself a run at the Cheltenham Festival after turning in a most impressive performance in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at Huntingdon today.
Sue Smith has enjoyed just one previous success at National Hunt racing's showpiece meeting, with Mister McGoldrick's determined victory back in 2008 leaving the Bingley trainer holding back the tears.
Mr Moonshine is seven years the junior to that stable stalwart, but Smith believes he has earned his place in Cheltenham's Pertemps Final after this bloodless qualifier success.
Sent off at 16-1 having been beaten in a Market Rasen novice chase on his latest start back in November, he had most of his rivals in trouble a long way from home having been sent straight to the lead.
Jumping with aplomb in the hands of Henry Oliver, the gelding was well clear straightening up for home and was heavily eased in scoring by four lengths from Cross Kennon.
"If it hadn't been for all the bad weather in the north and all the abandonments, he probably would have been novice chasing," said Smith.
"But because of all that we thought we'd run him at Huntingdon back over hurdles and he's done it so well I think he deserves to take his chance in the Pertemps Final in Cheltenham.
"It wasn't the most competitive qualifier in the country, but he could do more than go and win like he has done really.
"He's handled the testing ground well but I don't think he needs it. He's a pretty versatile horse."
William Hill have given Mr Moonshine a quote of 16-1 for the Pertemps Final.
A trainer far more familiar with Festival glory is Nicky Henderson and Master Of The Hall threw his name into the hat for a trip to Cheltenham team by claiming the Huntingdon Novices' Chase.
The 2-1 chance disappointed at Prestbury Park on New Year's Day but relished this step up to three miles.
Barry Geraghty's mount got the better of Alderluck at the top of the home straight and pulled clear under minimum handling to secure a six-length verdict.
It turned out to be yet another productive day for the in-form Seven Barrows handler, with Buckie Boy making a winning debut over obstacles in division two of the Huntingdon Audi A1 Novices' Hurdle.
"He had been quite a decent horse on the Flat for Henry Cecil and I think Henry always said he would make a jumper," said Henderson.
"His recent form on the Flat wasn't quite so hot but we've had him a while and given him some time. He's always rather enjoyed jumping and I think he's enjoying life.
"We'll just creep along quietly with him."
There was a shock result to division one, as Venetia Williams-trained 66-1 shot Nobunaga took top honours.
The chestnut had disappointed on his only previous start for the yard at Chepstow, but found plenty for Aidan Coleman to beat one-time smart chaser Araldur by a head.
Coleman said: "It was a bit of a fact-finding mission today and we found out a lot I think."
Victor Dartnall's Honourable Arthur ground out a victory in the Racing UK Novices' Handicap Chase.
The 7-2 chance was left in front when long-time leading Ratify parted company with jockey heading down the back straight and he saw his race out well to come home with nine lengths in hand over Timpo.
Heez A Cracker (5-1) took the TurfTV Handicap Hurdle for Emma Lavelle and Wayne Hutchinson, while 9-1 chance Be My Light ran out a game winner of the closing Huntingdon Audi A5 "National Hunt" Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
