Cape Tribulation justifies Jefferson's high opinion.

Byline: Colin Russell 

MAKE a note of the name: Cape Tribulation. He may not feature at this year's festival, he may not win at Aintree, but he confirmed trainer Malcolm Jefferson's high opinion of him with an impressive win in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over 3m, writes Colin Russell.

Giving rider Phil Kinsella his first victory since injury ruled him out in early November, the David Abell-owned five-year-old travelled strongly and, after being left in front when the favourite On Raglan Road fell at the second-last, he cruised home by 17 lengths from the useful Junior.

"I've always thought he was a decent horse, and though he won over a mile and a quarter on the Flat, I knew he'd stay," said his trainer. Jefferson added: "He needs soft ground, and I'm not sure Cheltenham would suit him. Aintree would be better but the going would have to be right."

Earlier Pagan Starprincess had sprung a 28-1 surprise when flooring the 2-5 shot Chomba Womba by a length and a quarter in the Grade 2 mares' hurdle.

Winning trainer George Moore said: "I always thought she could win a decent race. Although she only won a Hexham novice last season, we ran her in some decent races and she ran well to be placed in several of them. Mind you, I didn't think she'd beat the favourite.

"I had her in the handicap, but that carried only pounds 5,000 to the winner whereas there was pounds 10,000 for finishing second in this race."

Tony McCoy had no excuses for Chomba Womba, though he did say the ground was testing. His mount has drifted out to 6-1 with Victor Chandler for the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle and remains a 25-1 chance for the Totesport Trophy.

Helens Vision, who was beaten less than two lengths into third, is now 14-1 with William Hill for next month's Newbury feature.

Lightning Strike, trained by Venetia Williams, earned a quote of 20-1 from 33-1 from Victor Chandler for the RSA Novices' Chase at the festival after making it two out of two over fences in the 2m3f novice chase. Although he was inclined to go right on a couple of occasions, he assumed control early in the straight and came home a distance clear of the only other finisher, Psychomodo.

The winner was ridden by Sam Thomas, who said: "They went no gallop when he won at Wincanton and this was much more of a test. I was pleased with his jumping, and as he's only a baby he will keep on improving."

Aintree rather than Cheltenham is on the agenda for Nacarat, who was sent off favourite at 11-4 for the 2m3f handicap chase and cruised home eased down by six lengths to put Tony McCoy within five of riding 3,000 jumps winners.

The winner, owned by former Northern Racing supremo Simon Clarke, son of the late Sir Stan, is trained by Tom George, whose wife Sophie said: "Everything was right for him today, as he needs to be fresh, is best at around two and a half miles, and loves soft ground. He hates Cheltenham, so he won't be going there, but Aintree is a definite possibility."

Trainer Paul Murphy sent out his first winner for owner Guy Reed when Par Avion, sent off at 66-1, landed the bumper in the hands of Paddy Aspell, who was given a one-day ban (February 7) for using his whip with excessive frequency.

Star performances

Cape Tribulation with his victory in the 3m novice hurdle, and Big Fella Thanks for his convincing success in the Sky Bet Chase

Quote of the day

"I'd love to win the Northumberland Plate with him" - trainer Malcolm Jefferson on Cape Tribulation