Classy Red Admiral has Mann considering Topham bid.

Byline: Neil Morrice

RED ADMIRAL preserved his unbeaten record over fences with a stylish display under Noel Fehily in the novice chase that had his trainer Charlie Mann dreaming of a shot at the Aintree fences with the ex-Godolphin gelding.

The 3-1 chance was unable to go the frenetic pace set by Robert The Brave and Unforgettable, but cruised up to that pair like a class act rounding the top turn and seized control from the firstnamed on the run-in with Fehily looking round for dangers.

"I could just see him excelling in a race like the Topham, but for the moment we'll probably look at a race at the first Cheltenham meeting," said Mann. "When we got him his head was fried but he's been a total natural from the first day we schooled him."

Press The Button looked a bright prospect for dual-purpose action through the autumn when taking to jumping like a duck to water for owner Brian McAtavey and trainer Jim Boyle in the first division of the maiden hurdle.

The eight-time winner on the Flat was supported to transfer that ability to this code and did not let his supporters down, readily taking the measure of Wester Ross two from home and pulling six lengths clear under Stephen Craine.

Boyle does not have many jumpers, and needed to be sure Press The Button was well equipped for the task in hand before allowing the six-year-old to make the transition.

The Epsom trainer said: "I wouldn't normally risk one of my best Flat horses at this game but this fellow schooled really well at home, and he has a bit of class.

"We might look at a valuable handicap at Newbury in mid-September. We can chop and change if we wish, and now have options."

Tim Vaughan went to 4,100gns to retain Hard And Fast after his hardfought success in the conditional jockeys' selling hurdle. The trainer said: "He was bought for better things. I never imagined that he'd be winning a seller."

Joshua gamely landed the 2m handicap chase by a head from Majy D'Auteuil for Don Cantillon and Leighton Aspell. The winner will go for another handicap over a slightly longer trip.

Another Trump made a successful debut for JP McManus and Jonjo O'Neill as he sauntered to a five-length triumph under Tony McCoy in the second division of the maiden hurdle.

Nigel Twiston-Davies took the 2m handicap hurdle with Weather Front, while Orchard King, trained by Alison Thorpe and ridden by Richard Johnson, resisted the late rattle of Amazing Valour in the long-distance handicap hurdle.