SPARSHOLT trainer Harry Whittington was all smiles after Arzal maintained his unbeaten record over fences with a sparkling success at Newbury on Saturday.

The five-year-old made virtually all the running under Gavin Sheehan in the novices’ limited handicap chase over an extended two miles, before cruising home 13 lengths clear of Aso.

Whittington said of the 9-2 chance: “That was absolutely fantastic.

“We discussed about coming here or going to Plumpton, but I thought he was well-handicapped here.

“The owners worried that he jumped a bit low at Ludlow. He did a bit today, but he is very quick going from A to B.”

Arzal will now be stepped up in class for the williamhill.com Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27.

Better known as the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, Whittington’s stable star will then have one more run before the Cheltenham Festival which will determine if he appears in the Arkle or the JLT Novices’ Chase.

Briery Queen made a winning debut over timber for Blewbury trainer Noel Williams at Doncaster.

The six-year-old mare, who had good form in bumpers last term without scoring, stayed on well for James Banks to beat odds-on favourite Robins Reef by three lengths in a novices’ hurdle over two miles and three furlongs.

On the Flat, East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison added to his remarkable record at Chelmsford City when Sweet Selection landed a two-mile handicap in good style.

The three-year-old filly came home a length and a half clear of Rock Of Max to give Morrison his 15th winner from just 31 runners at the Essex venue since it reopened in January.