Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase report. Shan Blue jumps rivals ragged

Harry Skelton's partner was brilliant at his fences and it proved crucial as The Big Breakaway (16/5) threatened to close him down between the final two obstacles.

However, having been only a length adrift going to the last, he hit the obstacle in contrast to the winner who was again slick.

It propelled him clear on the run-in and Shan Blue was never in danger from there, scoring by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Dan Skelton told ITV Racing: "I was delighted with him. He's a horse we've had a lot of faith in for a long time and his jumping won him it. He's so quick over his fences. Three miles is a trip for him but you when you could be even more aggressive over slightly less it might be even more exciting.

"I'm delighted for his owner who has been with us right from the very start."

Jockey Harry Skelton added: "He was very good today. He ran with the choke out for two miles and is a helluva horse. You could drop him back to two-and-a-half miles, no problem."

Of The Big Breakaway, Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, said: “He ran an absolute blinder. Robbie (Power) was delighted with him and he learnt more today than he did in his first two runs over fences.

“Robbie doesn’t think he would have beaten the winner if he had winged the last as he was having to stretch to get there.

“Cheltenham obviously plays to his strengths and he looked more of a galloper there, so we will work back from the RSA. Whether we run again or not, I’m not sure. He jumped at pace today and he got in tight to a few of the last four fences, but he was clever at them and that is part of learning.”

Sky Bet cut the winner to 16/1 from 25s for the RSA at Cheltenham. Betfair and Paddy Power are 14/1 for the RSA as well as the Marsh Novices' Chase over the intermediate trip.

Sky Bet Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "An excellent performance from Shan Blue who won what looked a very good renewal. We are now 16s from 25s for the RSA."