Perfect chase start for Minstrel

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Williams had reservations about Court Minstrel being a natural chaser after his schooling had only been average, but the Llancarfan handler had to alter his opinion when the seven-year-old put in a good clear round of jumping on the way to a smooth success.

Only four runners lined up for the South West Racing Club Novices' Chase, and as the betting suggested it turned into a duel between Court Minstrel (evens) and the 10-11 favourite Keltus.

Keltus made the running but Court Minstrel enjoyed being given a lead and travelled comfortably in the hands of Paul Moloney.

Asked to take command, Court Minstrel put the race to bed in the straight to win by two and a quarter lengths. The first two pulled 36 lengths clear of Ladies Dancing in third.

"I was probably a bit pessimistic before as his schooling had only been OK and that had been off an synthetic surface," said Williams.

"There is no doubt that when he got some decent fast ground he found an inch or two and I thought he jumped exceptionally well.

"The second horse is a very good standard and I think we can only have positives.

"I was only 50-50 whether he would take to jumping fences. After today I'm 100 per cent. I suppose the logical place we will go to now is Cheltenham (next month) for the novice chase there as long as he comes out of this race OK.

"He jumped very well and he always travels well. I can't see any negatives."

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Perfect chase start for Minstrel