Oscar prevails after almost fluffing lines

A summer acquisition for Malton trainer Malcolm Jefferson from Harry Fry’s yard, this top Bumper horse from last season travelled smoothly for in-form jockey Brian Hughes.

The only blip came at the last – but there is every likelihood that Oscar Rock, the 8-15 favourite will learn from this mistake. A relieved Jefferson told the Yorkshire Post: “He was quick and will learn from that. There aren’t many horses who don’t make a little hiccup first time out.”

Sky Bet cut Oscar Rock to 10-1 from 12s for the Neptune Investment Management Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

An intriguing day’s racing on rain-softened ground saw 25-1 outsider Ultimate take the bet365 Handicap Chase for Brian Ellison after another positive ride by Danny Cook, one of the most under-rated riders in the North. This partnership goes from strength to strength.

Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson’s stable warmed up for Long Run’s Charlie Hall bid with Royal Irish Hussar taking the Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle in impressive style under Gold Cup-winning jockey Barry Geraghty.